Op-shop gives opportunity

Richmond MP Justine Elliot and The RePSYCHlers Op-Shop supervisor Phillip Kine and worker Tony Dick at the store’s official opening yesterday. Photo: Blainey Woodham D125288

PHILLIP Kine believes the RePSYCHler’s Op-Shop has had a profound affect on some of the area’s disabled since it opened 12 months ago.

An initiative of On-Track’s Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE), the store aims to provide work for people with disability pensions so they can gain both work experience and personal development.

Mr Kine, the store supervisor, said workers learnt retail and communication skills and gave them something to put on a resume when applying for employment.

“The shop has been set up to provide work for people on disability allowances,” Mr Kine said.

“It provides personal development and a reason to get up in the morning.

“The change in people has been profound and refreshing.”

Inside, the shop there are books, furniture, retro clothing, tea and coffee sets, plus all the random knick-knacks you can always find in an op-shop.

“We like to have something for everyone that walks through the door,” Mr Kine said.

The RePSYCHler’s Op-shop was officially opened yesterday, with Federal Labor member for Richmond Justine Elliot, Mayor Warren Polglase and Councillor Joan van Lieshout in attendance.

On-Track president Ken Lee said the RePSYCHler’s Op-Shop gave people a focus and the dignity and respect afforded to people with employment.

Mrs Elliot said On-Track provided a range of important services for the north coast community.

“The Rudd Government has contributed funding of $494,080 to On-Track’s RePSYCHler’s enterprise in the 2009-2010 year,” Mrs Elliot said.

“The RePSYCHler’s Opportunity Shop will provide an excellent service for our local community, both for its staff and its customers.

“The initiative is a credit to On-Track Community Programs, and the business activities are a credit to the committed staff who operate them.”

The RePSYCHler’s Op-Shop, at 56 Recreation Street, is open Monday to Saturday, from 9.30am until 4pm DST.