The Gumeracha Opportunity Shop (Op Shop) is owned and operated by the Adelaide Hills Council (AHC) in a small standalone building originally built with funds raised by the local Country Women’s Association. The Op Shop commenced trading prior to the formation of AHC in 1997 and was first established to meet a local need in the community at a time when this type of alternative shopping offering was limited.

In June 2025, BRM Advisory were engaged to undertake the Service Review of the Gumeracha Op Shop, and a detailed report of their investigations is available as part of the 26 August Council Meeting Agenda and under the Document Library.

The Service Review considered the rationale and long-term viability of the Op Shop. Following the service review, four possible options for the future of the Gumeracha Op Shop were presented to Council.

You can use the tabs below to view the project progress following this Council Report, through to the Council Decision on 10 February 2026, to progress a lease with Torrens Valley Lions Club for the Op Shop operations.

August 2025 Council Decision

At the Council Meeting held on 26 August 2025, Council resolved to undertake a community engagement process guided by the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) Spectrum, with volunteers and key stakeholders around the ongoing operation or cessation of the service and transition plan, should it be required.

During September 2025, we worked with volunteers, key stakeholders and interested community members, to understand their feedback about what is important for us to consider regarding the future of the Op Shop considering, use of Council resources, staff time and the building the Gumeracha Op Shop currently operates from.

Community engagement has now closed and the Engagement Summary can be viewed below.

November 2025 Council Decision and Next Steps

A Report was presented to Council at the Council Meeting on 11 November 2025, detailing the outcomes of community engagement and recommending next steps for the future of the Gumeracha Opportunity Shop.

At the meeting, Council decided to cease operating the Gumeracha Opportunity Shop as a Council-run program and undertake an Expression of Interest process to find a community group to take on the Op Shop or establish another community offering at the site.

Following the EOI process, the Administration will provide a report to Council recommending a community-based group to assume operations at the site. The Opportunity Shop will continue to be run by Council until an alternative group has been identified to take over the operations of the Opportunity Shop or deliver an alternative offering.

Current volunteers and stakeholders will be promptly notified of this resolution, and that volunteers will be appropriately recognised and supported throughout any transition period. Council acknowledges and sincerely thanks the volunteers and broader community for their valuable contribution to the Opportunity Shop over many years.

During December 2025, we invited Expressions of Interest from community-based groups to take over the operations of the Gumeracha Opportunity Shop or propose a new community-focused use for the site.

This was a unique opportunity to contribute to the vibrancy of Gumeracha’s main street. We were seeking proposals that:

• Deliver strong community benefit
• Demonstrate a clear connection to the local and surrounding community
• Are financially sustainable
• Align with Council’s strategic priorities (wellbeing, sustainability, inclusion)

Lease Conditions Summary

The successful proposal will need to enter into a lease agreement with Council. We are proposing a five (5) year lease term, subject to community consultation.

The lease will be offered on a peppercorn basis, meaning no rent will be charged; however, the tenant will be responsible for all operating costs, including utilities, day-to-day upkeep and maintenance, and must hold appropriate public liability and contents insurance.

Conditions of Lease

The successful applicant will be required to enter into a formal lease agreement with Adelaide Hills Council. The following conditions will apply:

1. Lease term: Up to five (5) years
2. Rent: “Peppercorn” lease meaning no rent will be charged.
3. Utilities: The tenant will be responsible for utilities, including electricity, and water consumption. These costs will be detailed in the lease agreement and are expected to total approximately $50 per month.
4. Insurance: Tenant must maintain Public Liability, and any other relevant insurance. Council will provide building insurance
5. Maintenance: Tenant responsible for day-to-day upkeep and cleanliness of the premises.
6. Compliance: Tenant must comply with all relevant legislation, WHS requirements, and Council policies.
7. Fit out and signage: Any alterations to the premises or signage require prior Council approval.
8. Termination: Council reserves the right to terminate the lease for breach of conditions or non-performance.

Applications could be made online by 9am Monday 15 December. Hard copy submissions could be left at any of our service centers by 9am Monday 15 December.

At the Council Meeting on 10 February 2026, Council endorsed the recommendation to progress a lease with the Torrens Valley Lions Club for the Gumeracha Op Shop. The lease is for a two-year period, on a peppercorn basis, with the tenant responsible for all outgoings, day-to-day upkeep and maintenance.

The Torrens Valley Lions Club have a longstanding connection to the community and demonstrated experience managing volunteers. Their proposal aligns with feedback received through community feedback and they provided evidence of their financial sustainability and insurance coverage. The Torrens Valley Lions Club are well placed to take over the operations of the Op Shop, and we are excited to see how this lease progresses.

Council staff will assist during the transition of Op Shop operations to the Torrens Valley Lions Club and organise the installation of a plaque thanking volunteers for their contribution.