By Tanya Steele
Bargain-minded residents with fun in mind can look forward to a repeat of the Healesville Living and learning centre’s “Op Shop Tours” beginning in late August this year.
HLCC has gained funding to run four separate 2023 Op Shop tour events after the success of the 2022 events.
Shona Rimmer from the (HLLC) said the tour is a great opportunity for people to get out and socialize.
“The first one was so well received the first time, we had people along who had never been to an op shop,” she said.
“Some it was their first outing since Covid.”
Ms Rimmer said all four tours will be quite different and provide a fun experience for all.
“People can come and remember what is in their own backyard,” she said.
Last year the event was enjoyed by many in the community and Ms Rimmer said that It’s about encouraging people to shop secondhand.
Local op shops have had to change how they access community with the introduction of online second hand communities such as Facebook Marketplaces.
“We want to remind people that we are here,” Ms Rimmer said.
“The game has changed a bit and we’ve found that online presence has influenced what we have come through,” she said.
The funding has been provided by Yarra Ranges Council under the valley community recovery grants program.
Ms Rimmer said the focus is to promote opportunity shops as a valuable community resource,
“It’s about connecting people as they discover the joys and financial rewards of op shopping, exploring new places and having fun,” she said.
The dates are set for all Fridays and the first one kicks off on 25 August filled by three more on 22 September, 27 October and 17 November.
The tours are free and lunch is provided. Bookings are essential.
