The lively community, midway between Shepparton and Bendigo, had been encouraged by the renovation of its pub, but the potential loss of the store was a major blow to the population of 285 and others living on nearby farms.
A series of meetings created the Colbinabbin Community Store, a co-operative venture funded by shareholders, both local and former residents, to purchase and save the shop.
A board of volunteer co-op directors was tasked with its re-birth.
The board was not to know that just beyond the horizon loomed COVID, which was to lock so many of the store’s passing-trade customers inside Melbourne’s so-called ring of steel.
Despite having little or no retail experience, a group of volunteers assisted a store manager bring the shop back to life.
It now offers a range of household items, lunch snacks, coffee, newspapers and the ever-popular cool drinks and ice-creams.
Art and craft gift items produced by local people are also for sale, and the store includes the essential Colbinabbin Post Office.
A new shock hurdle appeared when the store was damaged within the major flooding across Victoria in October 2022.
A major renovation now has the shop in sparkling and welcoming condition.
The mammoth tasks of the past five years may be rewarded shortly as the store approaches a new phase of its life after a special meeting of shareholders last month voted on a board proposal.
The meeting agreed to amend the constitution of the community co-op to create a leasing arrangement to a selected commercial venture.
The co-op shareholders will retain ownership of the store.
The co-op board is chaired by Jenni Weaver, and plans to invite expressions of retailer interest, before negotiating appropriate lease conditions.
“The board will be emphasising the capability and store experience of the current staff in all discussions with interested parties,” Mrs Weaver said.
“We hope that the pattern of employment of locals, well-recognised since 2020, will continue.
“We believe private enterprise will now be attracted by the renovated premises, the small-town lifestyle and our active sporting culture in both summer and winter.
“It is timely for new ideas and enthusiasm from energetic business people.”
As well as serving district residents, the store welcomes the growing number of visitors to the impressive giant artwork on the town’s old grain silos, together with truck-drivers, other motorists and bus passengers.
The town bus-stop is at the front of the shop.
From a near-death situation in 2020, shareholders backing the community co-op venture may now have cause to celebrate across the street in the lively little Colbo Pub.
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