Stanthorpe residents fight to keep community service Lifeline Op-shop open

For many Stanthorpe residents, their local preloved goods store is more than just a place to find a bargain, it’s a place where judgement stops at the door. Here’s why they’re fighting to keep the doors open.

For a second time since the Covid-19 pandemic, a beloved support centre and preloved clothing store will close its doors.

However, this time it’s for good.

The increasing cost of living pressures are being felt far and wide, with the Stanthorpe Lifeline Op-shop the latest to bear the brunt.

The decision came as a major shock to many residents who consider the store a place of sanctuary.

For Stanthorpe resident and community volunteer Lorraine Fragale, the news of the store’s closure left her concerned for the welfare of those who took comfort in its counsel.

“I was absolutely devastated when I found out,” she said.

“Many community members rely on the shop and its service, it’s a place to visit when you’re down and out, and need help.”

Lorraine Fragale is not going down without a fight, with a community petition to stop the closure of the beloved Stanthorpe Lifeline Op-shop.

Ms Fragale said the support services offered in the region were already at an increasing low.

“The cost of living is affecting everyone, I know a lot of people in town who are running on the bare minimum,” she said.

Fellow community member Coriena has felt the chokehold of the rising cost of living and has often relied on the Lifeline store for goods and support.

With an already limited option of clothing stores in Stanthorpe, Lifeline’s closure will have a major impact for families who rely on the service.

“I’ve found costumes for my daughter for school dress up from there when I haven’t been able to find anything at the other two (opshops),” Coriena said.

“It gives more variety having the three stores to choose from, it’s a poor man’s variety but nine times out of ten I’ll find what I’m looking for at the third place.

“It’s an important service to the community, so many people go just for a chat.”

Coriena said there’s a noticeable difference in the number of senior community members out and about socialising.

“There’s definitely less social elderly people in the community and there’s not many shops where you can just stop and have a chat, because they want you to move on,” she said.

With the June 7 closure fast approaching, community members will still have access to the no-for-profit services Vinnies and the Salvation Army.

Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland chief executive Rachelle Patterson said the closure of the Roger St store was a reflection of the wider cost of living struggles.

Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland chief executive Rachelle Paterson, Thursday, February 1, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ms Patterson said the Perth St store in Toowoomba is also set to close.

The not-for-profit took into consideration the three-year leasing requirement for the Stanthorpe store, ultimately deciding the store’s running costs were no longer achievable.

Ms Patterson said a major increase in those accessing Lifeline’s services had been seen across the wider Darling Downs and South West regions in past 18 months.

“We’ve also seen a change in the cohort of people accessing our services and we’re now seeing an emerging trend of employed persons asking for assistance in a range of areas,” she said.

Ms Patterson said the service has seen an increase in the complexities, with more individuals seeking not only mental health support, but physical and financial.

Although it was a tough decision, Ms Patterson said the not-for-profit were confident in their decision knowing the community would still have access to the two remaining op-shops.

The community fight isn’t over, with Ms Fragale starting a petition to keep the store open.

Ms Fragale said she hoped to see the store re-open in the future as a community lifeline store.

“Sometimes people just need someone who will listen to them,” she said.