By Oliver Winn
Organisations from the Yarra Ranges showed their appreciation and gratitude for the Yarra Junction Community Op Shop in a series of letters.
Rosemary Crowley submitted a letter to the Star Mail in April 2025 and thanked the Yarra Junction Community Op Shop for its invaluable service.
“This may be a belated thank you, but a very necessary one. The Community wishes you all a well-earned rest. You played a vital role in our community, and you are missed,” Ms Crowley said.
SWYM secretary Helen Nilsson said the op shop’s generosity helped the Yarra Centre Swimming Pool.
“I would like to thank all volunteers of the Yarra Junction op shop who have dedicated their time and hard work over many years. They have helped so many organisations with their generous donations, including donations to SWYM for equipment for the Yarra Centre swimming pool,” Ms Nilsson said.
Powelltown Football Club sponsor and community partners subcommittee member Judy Podolinsky said the op shop’s support was crucial to the success of the club’s initiatives.
“Over the years that I have been involved (and probably many prior) the YJOS has supported many of our initiatives, including youth programs, and the supply of uniforms and equipment, these contributions have assisted with making the programs possible and have contributed to a reduced workload for our volunteers,” Ms Podolinsky.
U3A Upper Yarra president Leonie Thompson said the shop will live on in the hearts of everyone.
“What a wonderful service these volunteers have given us. The shop may be closed but the volunteers will not be forgotten,” Ms Leonie said.
Upper Yarra Historical Society treasurer Kate Lamb said not only the funding will be missed – the friendships will also be missed.
“Not only will we miss the funding but also the friendships we have forged with the many volunteers in the shop, over the years,” Ms Lamb said.
Yarra Junction Community Group secretary Monica Blanchfield said the op shop’s donation enabled them to host events and projects.
“The Yarra Junction Community Group would like to express our gratitude to the Yarra
Junction Community Op Shop. Without their generous donation of $500 last year, we would not have been able to present our Christmas Carols and Christmas Window decoration projects,” Ms Blanchfield said.
The Over 50s Friendship Group also expressed its gratitude when president Carole Corcoran said she hoped the volunteers would rest easy knowing they’ve contributed to the community’s goodwill.
“Hopefully the satisfaction of distributing funds to the community has outweighed the unseen menial tasks of sorting, cleaning, and disposing of rubbish,” Ms Corcoran said.
Yarra Junction Fire Brigade treasurer Kayleen Coleman said the op shop’s contribution to the brigade was much appreciated.
“We have been able to upgrade our lights as well as many other things over the years, your contribution to the Yarra Junction Fire Brigade has been much appreciated,” Ms Coleman said.
Upper Yarra Public Cemetery office manager Julie Ormsby said the loss of the op shop will have a great impact on local community groups.
“These groups now will have to seek donations and sponsorships from elsewhere,” Ms Ormsby said.
Yarra Junction Junior Netball Club president Carly Bell said the support from the op shop was invaluable.
“Without your help we would not have been able to purchase a complete new set of dresses and singlets, along with also having the Melbourne Mavericks Netball Club send out two players and run a two hour clinic, give all of the kids a free t-shirt with the opportunity to have the tops signed and pose with the kids for photos.”
