CASEY Central’s new $5 million Woolworths supermarket officially opened its doors to shoppers on Wednesday 7 September.
Shoppers steamed through the doors lured by $20 gift vouchers after Casey mayor Sam Aziz and store manager John Mandile cut the red ribbon.
Mr Mandile said the new $5 million store would employ more than 130 people, including five Indigenous workers as part of the Woolworths Employment Parity Initiative
“We are delighted that the opening of the new Woolies sees us providing employment opportunities for residents of the Narre Warren area and surrounding Melbourne suburbs,” he said.
“Our aim is to connect customers directly with our local fresh producers as much as possible. With 100 per cent of fresh meat and 96 per cent of fresh fruit and veg sourced from Australia, our store will highlight the wonderful seasonality of produce along with tips for the best uses for products.”
To celebrate the opening of the new store, Woolworths Casey Central is donating to local community groups including Hillsmead Primary School and Transit, which provide nutritious meals and support to the local community.
Woolworths also supplies fruit to Casey Little Athletics and is involved with Alkira Secondary College.
Cr Aziz said trade at Casey Central was booming as local residents relished the opportunity to shop locally, without compromising on quality or amenity.
“Casey Central is home to a rapidly growing population and this supermarket is well placed to serve the needs of the many local shoppers who will now have access to a wide range of fresh produce and groceries, without driving distances to larger retail hubs.
“This store reflects modern design practices and goes beyond the traditional supermarket offerings, providing an in-store bakery, butcher and fresh seafood counter.
“The City of Casey is and will continue to strengthen investment in the Casey Cardinia region through initiatives which support businesses and attract investment.”
Cr Aziz said the council was committed to stimulating local job creation and he was pleased that the creation of local jobs saved many residents hours of travel per day and in turn reduced traffic congestion on arterial roads across the municipality.
“Though this store is incredibly large, it is heartening to see that, like many small businesses across Casey, Woolworths is a proud member of the community who are willing to contribute to what is a thriving community here in Casey Central.”
The store will be open 6am to midnight, seven days a week.
