Cherished and long time charity shop, Berwick Opportunity Shop, has been recognised for its community service, receiving an Australia Day Award for its contribution to the region by Member for La Trobe, Jason Wood.
The La Trobe Australia Day Award was in acknowledgement of the shop’s dedicated charitable services, which provides vital support to the local community.
Long-serving local volunteer of more than a decade and president of the shop, Margaret Ruse, said the recognition came as a “lovely surprise”.
Ms Ruse, who has volunteered at the community-run op shop since 2010 and served as its president since 2014, said she was notified just days before the award ceremony, when representatives from local MP Jason Wood’s office invited her to attend a presentation at the Officer Community Hall.
“We were very honoured to be nominated,” Ms Ruse said.
“It was a lovely surprise, and it’s just great to be recognised and appreciated for our work in the community.”
The op shop, located on the busy Clyde Road in Berwick, operates entirely with volunteers and has a long history in the area, having been established in the mid-1960s and operating from its current site since 1989 said Ms Ruse.
Over that time, the shop has donated an estimated of more than $7 million to community organisations and charities.
Ms Ruse said the shop currently supports 48 organisations, including more than 20 CFA brigades, several SES units, hospitals such as Casey, Monash and St John of God, as well as soup kitchens, wildlife shelters, victims of crime support services, disability programs and medical research institutes.
“We rely heavily on the generosity of people who donate goods and the customers who buy them,” she said.
“But most importantly, it’s our volunteers. It’s hard work in a small shop, and everyone is here purely because they want to support the community.”
Since Ms Ruse began volunteering, the number of organisations supported by the shop has steadily increased, reflecting both growing demand and strong local backing.
She said the shop’s focus on community impact was a key reason it continues to attract support.
The award was also warmly received by the shop’s volunteer team, many of whom were equally surprised by the recognition.
Ms Ruse said the response from the public, particularly on social media, had been overwhelmingly positive.
“We’re local, we’re community-based, and we work hard,” she said.
“I think people realise that and it’s been wonderful to see that appreciation.”
