Lifeline to re-open op-shops across region next week

LIFELINE Darling Downs will re-open stores across the region next week, as the organisation hopes to reduce the $100,000 loss in monthly income.

Derek Tuffield, CEO of Darling Downs and Southwest Lifeline.

LIFELINE Darling Downs will re-open stores across the region next week, as the organisation hopes to reduce the $100,000 loss in monthly income due to COVID-19.

Organisation CEO Derek Tuffield said op-shops in Toowoomba (Perth St), Tara, Oakey, Dalby, Warwick and Stanthorpe would open again from Monday.

Mr Tuffield said the stores would run on reduced trading hours, following repeated requests from the public in western Queensland.

“To ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers and customers we have made the decision to slowly re-open some of our stores over a period of time,” he said.

“We have also reduced our trading hours to 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.

“Customers will be required to adhere to current social distancing rules and hand sanitiser will be available at all stores.

“We’ve been receiving a lot of inquiries about getting those shops open, especially around winter time.

“The cases of COVID-19 only reached as far as Miles so we were keen to get the western shops up and running.”

The opening of the stores will give Lifeline some cashflow to contribute to its suicide prevention and crisis support services across the Darling Downs.

Mr Tuffield said Lifeline had taken a financial hit due to shop closures, thanking the landlords for supporting the organisation through the coronavirus pandemic.

“Our bottom line has taken a hit,” he said.

“I’d like to pay a compliment to the various landlords for helping (while) we have had to close those stores, so that has assisted us.

“We’ve still lost around $100,000 a month through the business division.”

Shoppers are encouraged to pay with EFTPOS rather than cash.

Anyone requiring emergency assistance or crisis support can call Lifeline on 1300 991 443.