Garfield Community Shop
The Garfield Community Shop opened its doors in December 2012 and since then has been raising money to support the local community by providing goods for purchase at a low cost to customers. This small not-for-profit shop, run solely by volunteers, has been able to contribute a total of nearly $340,000 in it’s 10 years of operation. This has been in the form of grants and joint funding of projects such as the exercise and playground equipment situated at the Garfield Recreation Reserve.
Nowadays people seem to be more aware of where and what they are spending their money on and realize the benefits of buying secondhand goods. Not only does this practice help their money go further, but it also helps the local community and lessens the impact on the environment.
Community Shops not only provide items for sale at greatly reduced costs, they serve as a social avenue for not just the volunteers, but also the customers. Many locals pop in regularly for a chat, as well as regulars from further afar who enjoy the friendly atmosphere provided by the volunteers.
Over time the shop has received huge support, raising the need to relocate to larger premises 5 years ago. There are a lot of preloved items crammed into the current shop waiting for someone to give them a new home. New items are constantly being donated.
I’d like to take this opportunity to say and enormous “thank you” to everyone for supporting what started out as an idea to see if we could run our own community-based op shop, replacing the one that was run by a larger operation. What an awesome community we have.
-- Helen Davey (Manager)
(Volunteers Helen K and Nola)
The Garfield Community Shop is a voluntarily run shop selling second hand goods at reasonable prices.
Our shop is like your old-fashioned Op Shop packed full of great bargains.
We stock clothing, shoes, books, bric-a-brac, small electrical goods and furniture.
All profits raised by this shop are fed directly back into the local community.
New volunteers are always welcome.
Garfield Community Shop Grants Available
Who is eligible? – Local not for profit organisations
Application must include:
• Project description
• Funding request amount
• Benefits of project
• Expected date of completion
• Copy of organisation’s bank statement including account name, BSB & Account number
• Contact email and two mobile numbers
Two representatives must be available to attend presentation day July 23rd.
Please send applications to Garfield Community Shop, 71 Main St Garfield, 3814.
Applications close June 30th
A RECORD 44 ORGANISATIONS BENEFITTED IN THIS YEAR’S COMMUNITY GRANTS
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our dedicated Garfield Community Shop, which this year has proudly distributed over $65,396 in grants to a wide variety of local community-based organisations. This outstanding achievement sets a new record and reflects the extraordinary generosity and tireless commitment of our local volunteers.
The annual grant distribution ceremony was held on 20 July at the Garfield Uniting Church Hall—a long-standing hub of community connection and support. The room was filled with warmth and appreciation as representatives from 44 different organisations came together to receive their grants. These funds will help power a diverse range of initiatives, including youth development, education, health services, environmental conservation, and more.
A special acknowledgment goes to the incredible team of volunteers at the Garfield Community Shop. Your continued hard work, dedication, and community spirit are what make this level of support possible year after year. Your contribution is not only financial—it’s a living example of how grassroots efforts can create lasting impact.
This record-breaking milestone highlights the strength of community collaboration and the positive change that comes from working together. The $65,396 in grants will make a real difference across our region, supporting programs that enrich lives and build a stronger, more connected community.
Thank you once again to the Garfield Community Shop volunteers and to all who support their vital work. Your generosity is helping to build a better future for everyone.
