North West Volunteers wanted

The Vinnies network has grown to include 26 sites with two new emergency relief centres and retail stores officially opened recently in Devonport and Smithton.

The Devonport Superstore located at 3 Finlayson’s Way has brought a welcome return of Vinnies to the city, while the Smithton Hub at 132 Nelson Street provides essential support and quality second hand items to the Circular Head community.

Vinnies Chief Executive Officer, Heather Kent, said opening of the bright and spacious Devonport centre will enable Vinnies’ members to provide emergency relief to those seeking assistance in a discrete and accessible location, while the store offers a vast array of affordable items to the region.

“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.”

The Smithton store also serves as a Vinnies hub for the entire Circular Head community and contains a retail store, emergency relief centre and a kitchen for the preparation of food to support the Circular Head region’s Vinnies Van and ‘Dining with Friends’ program.

Ms Kent said the Smithton Hub provided an important Vinnies presence in north west Tasmania which also delivers a range of support and activities in the area.

“This site also provides an opportunity for those seeking to volunteer their skills and experience in contributing to the community, providing scope to engage with Vinnies in a range of ways.

“The Smithton Hub was previously a Vinnies Store, but it necessarily closed due to COVID restrictions and a lack of volunteers.

Due to this growth in the North West region, there is an increasing need for more volunteers to contribute to both stores. Positions are currently available in a variety of roles and Vinnies is excited to welcome new volunteers to both sites. Hop online to find out more.

“There’s a role to suit anyone interested in supporting our work as a volunteer and with a growing number of activities thriving at the Devonport Superstore and Smithton Hub, we’d always welcome more who might be interested in supporting our work in a voluntary capacity,” she said.