Cease providing the Op Shop service in line with the review recommendations and consider future uses for the Op Shop building. This approach acknowledges the contributions of volunteers and the community and enables resources to be redirected toward initiatives that deliver greater strategic and community benefit to the Gumeracha community and surrounding townships. These services could include youth programing, gardening programs, activation of the Gumeracha Town Hall.

Continue providing the Gumeracha Op Shop with existing resources. This is not recommended, as the Service Review identified that additional staff support is needed to operate to the required standard to mitigate risk and provide value to the community. Should Council pursue this option, the Administration would need to undertake further assessment of the implications on service delivery and staff capacity.

Allocate additional resources to cover the operating costs and the necessary staff support to provide this service. This would be in the realm of $14,000 per annum in additional staff and operating costs. It is also an option to allocate additional investment to pursue strategies that might increase the financial performance of the Op Shop. An allocation of $10,000 as a once-off cost for consultancy and retail advice could be expected.

Seek expressions of interest from alternative organisations or groups to manage and operate an Op Shop at this site. This would involve a lease to the group who would be responsible for all operating costs and responsibilities, including work, health and safety. In considering this option, important factors include whether there is a community need for the service, given that another Op Shop operates in Gumeracha.

Access to Low-Cost Goods

✅ This need still exists.
However, low-cost items are now more widely available through:

• Online marketplaces
• Discount retailers
• Other local Op Shops (including one in Gumeracha)

➡️ Council must consider whether it’s necessary to continue providing this service when alternatives are already available.

Support Reuse and Recycling

✅ This remains important.
But other Op Shops and recycling programs in the region already support this goal.
➡️ The community still has access to reuse and recycling opportunities without Council needing to run its own shop.

Volunteering and Community Connection

✅ Volunteering is a key part of community wellbeing.
Council offers volunteering roles across libraries, community centres, and other programs.
➡️ Volunteers can still connect and contribute through other avenues—including the nearby Op Shop, which is actively seeking volunteers.

Income Generation

❌ This goal is no longer being met.

• The Op Shop has operated at a net financial loss for many years.
• Continuing operations would require additional resourcing.
• Costs related to illegal dumping, waste removal, and WHS compliance are increasing.

➡️ The shop is no longer a sustainable income source and may divert resources from higher-impact programs.

Strategic Misalignment

• Operating an Op Shop is not a core function of local government—it’s typically run by charities or community groups.
• Continuing to run the Op Shop may limit Council’s ability to invest in services with broader strategic impact.

Financial Sustainability

• The Op Shop has operated at a net financial loss for many years.
• To continue safely and effectively, it would require additional staff time to support volunteers, WHS, and increasing operational requirements
• Council must ask: Is this the best use of limited resources?

Operational Challenges

• Staff are increasingly required to manage:
  • Workplace health and safety risks
  • Illegal dumping and disposal of unsaleable items
  • Volunteer support
• These demands are growing and divert staff from other community programs.

Duplication of Services

• There are 10 other Op Shops within 25 km, including one in Gumeracha.
• This means the service is not unique, and similar benefits are available locally.
• Opportunities to access low-cost goods and recycle still exist—just through other providers.

Limited Broad Community Benefit

• While the Op shop has been a valued community program for many years and is run by a dedicated and passionate group of volunteers, its continued operation by council diverts resources away for developing other offerings that can offer broader community wellbeing outcomes.