Blaine Billows, Tahlia Butcher and Megan D’Silva are some of the friendly faces who greeted shoppers at the GO Again Op Shop.
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GO participants recently took over the op shop on Anzac Ave for a week-long celebration of Disability Pride Month.
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From Monday, July 7, to Friday, July 11, the GO Again Op Shop was staffed by the smiling faces of Goulburn Options participants, who ran the store from open to close.
The store, which is usually attended by co-ordinator Deb Williamson and a team of volunteers, plays an important role in the Goulburn Options community.
Rosie Sheppard and Matthew Deacon give customers their biggest smiles.
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Billie Davern
“We have volunteers that work across the board, Monday to Friday, generally doing half shifts,” Ms Williamson said.
“But this week, our volunteers are working from the warehouse, enabling us to have some participants come down here to have that experience of working in the shops.”
To the GO team, Disability Pride Month serves as a reminder of all that people with disability bring to their communities.
A time to celebrate identity, challenge stereotypes and promote visibility and inclusion, the month of July encourages awareness and acceptance in the disability community.
Crystal Semmens has a happy presence behind the counter.
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Ms Williamson said the takeover had elicited a positive response in shoppers and sparked a number of conversations on the importance of the month.
“It’s been really positive,” she said.
“There’s been a few people that have taken notice and started conversations.
“It’s been such a great experience for the guys, too. All abilities have been able to have this experience.”
Alongside the takeover, GO participants have been able to relish a 50 per cent discount on all items at the op shop.
The shop, which has been part of the community since 1996, plays an important role in the GO community, with all funds raised from sales going directly into supporting programs and participants.
Jeremy Grant shows off the op shop’s extensive book collection.
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GO Outcomes team leader Grace Coppinger said the shop was the perfect place to draw attention to Disability Pride Month.
“Participants from across different programs, many of whom have never worked in the shop before, are stepping up to manage the register, sort and price stock, greet customers and keep things running behind the scenes,” she said.
“This takeover offers them an opportunity to develop new skills, build confidence, connect with the community and proudly showcase their contributions in celebrating Disability Pride.
“Our core values of capability, diversity and equity guide everything we do. The op shop takeover is a perfect expression of these values in action: empowering participants to take the lead, creating opportunities for skill-building and growth and fostering a welcoming, inclusive space where everybody belongs.”
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