New Vinnies store to support cost of living pressures

Corey McGrath (State President), Les Baxter (COO), Lauren Trewin (NW Retail Coordinator)

The St Vincent De Paul Society (Vinnies) has opened a new retail superstore and emergency relief centre in Devonport.

The Devonport store joins a network of 26 other retail sites and delivers two key benefits; it provides a range of affordable items for the community, while helping to fund delivery of support and assistance to the disadvantaged across Tasmania.

Vinnies Chief Excecutive Officer Heather Kent said opening of the bright and spacious new centre at 3 Finlaysons Way will enable Vinnies’ members to provide emergency relief to those seeking assistance, while the store offers a vast array of affordable items to the region.

Highlighting that Vinnies is facing increasing demand for its services statewide, Ms Kent noted that the new site complements the existing centre in East Devonport which also delivers emergency assistance and a large retail store with an array of constantly changing items, including clothing, homewares, books and toys.

“We used to have a store on the western side of the Mersey River, but closed it due to the location and maintenance issues,” she said. “Two years on, we finally have an ideal new site that meets all our requirements in this area of Devonport.

“This new location gives the Society’s members and volunteers a dedicated and welcoming space to meet members of the community, many of whom are facing hardship and require assistance when faced with increased cost of living pressures.

“As a vibrant community hub, we currently have four volunteers who work alongside and support staff in running the shop, but ideally we would like to see the number of volunteers double.”

Those interested in volunteering can ask at the shop, call 6333 0822 or visit the website where there’s a range of roles that aim to offer something of interest all.

The new Finlaysons Way store is open weekdays from 9.00am to 5.00pm and from 10.00am to 4.00pm on Saturdays and is quickly being recognised as a valuable community asset, offering a range of constantly refreshed stock. The store also accepts donations of pre-loved clothing, furniture, books, electrical goods, home wares and other trinkets in good condition.