Spotlight On … Capella Community Op Shop

Your name: Pamela Fleming, Secretary
Locations serviced: 57 Peak Downs Street, Capella Qld
Open: Tuesday to Saturday 8am until 2pm
Follow us on: Capella-community-op-shop-inc on Facebook

What is the Capella Community Op Shop?
We are a not-for-profit charity organisation that provides a retail outlet for preloved clothes and light household furnishings. We offer free support for individuals and families. Money that we raise through sales, donations and running raffles, we endeavour to invest into school projects as we firmly believe that every child should attend school as an equal, and no child should be disadvantaged for things outside their control.

Throughout the year, we also make donations to the pony club and Peak Downs Pirates Rugby League JRL.

We opened 16-months ago in a motel room at the Capella Couch Inn. Due to the growth we’ve experienced in that time, we recently moved to a much bigger space. You can find us in what used to be the old supermarket at 57 Peak Downs Street, Capella. It’s wonderful to have such a large area to display and sell all the incredible items people donate to the shop.

What can people expect to find for sale in the shop?
From vintage clothing to the latest fashions, everyday essentials to homeware and furniture, books and DVDs to kids toys, accessories, handbags, shoes and other stylish pieces all waiting for their next chapter.

Where does the money from sales go?
As a not-for-profit, the money from sales goes back into the community. For example, the Back-to-School program, and donations to our local sporting club and Pony Club.

You also provide services for those in need; what can you tell us about those?
We provide practical assistance like food vouchers, clothing, and household items to those who need them most. Sometimes we are often the first point of support for people in crisis. Our work is deeply rooted in community compassion.

You’ve recently moved location; where can people find you now?
57 Peak Downs Street, Capella – it’s a wonderful space.

With so much stock, how did you go about relocating?
We had many people from the community who helped us. A big shout out to Heather Luke, Scot the plumber, the Electrician from Springsure, Don and Ann who came up from the Sunshine Coast, CHF, Daryl – our handy man, and Arrian and the footy team from Tieri who painted our shop. There were many more who lent a hand, and we’re grateful to all of them – thank you.

What does the new premise offer you and your customers?
It’s a much more inviting and accessible space that reflects our care for the community. It’s somewhere for people to connect with each other, with us and with the support we provide.

It’s also much easier to find those hidden gems amongst all the items available for sale. We’ve recently created a dedicated ‘Babies’ section which we’re very excited about. Customers will enjoy exploring all the wonderful items available for babies and young children, including clothes, toys, books and accessories.

Importantly, the new premise gives us an even stronger sense of purpose, knowing that each purchase directly supports the local and surrounding area.

How long have you been involved with the Op Shop and what have you learned in that time?
Since the closure of Saint Vincent De Paul, 16 months ago. That was when we decided to open a Community Op Shop so that our community was not disadvantaged. We wanted to continue helping and supporting the people of Capella and the neighbouring towns.

How can the local community support the Op Shop?By donating thoughtfully. Passing pre-loved items that are in good condition helps stock our shelves for the community, and keeps usable goods out of landfill.

From helping us sort through our stock, to sharing stories on social media, there’s a role for volunteers with every passion and interest. Some volunteers might enjoy visual merchandising, others might love chatting to and serving customers, others may prefer organising donated items in categories. We welcome all types of support so please reach out to us at the shop, via phone, or our Facebook page if you would like to volunteer.

What do you love about living and working in the Central Highlands?Living and working here means being grounded in a place where resilience, generosity, and connection run deep. I love that every face in the shop tells a story, whether it’s a local who pops in for a yarn, or someone finding hope through a second-hand treasure.

There’s pride in supporting sustainability, but even more in watching our community lift each other up, one small act at a time. The Highlands isn’t just where I live, it’s who I serve and it’s why I do what I do.

What are your opening hours?
We’re open Tuesday through to Saturday, from 8:00am until 2:00pm.

How can people find out more information?
We regularly post updates on our Facebook and Instagram pages, highlighting any new arrivals in store, showcasing different categories of items for sale, and sharing all the wonderful stories of support that echo throughout our community.

Aside from that, you can give us a call on 0447 944 280, email capellaopshop@gmail.com, or pop in for a chat – we’d love to see you.