New op-shop ‘an amazing transformation’

MADCOW has found a new home for its op-shop in a repurposed auto garage based in Eaglehawk.

After six weeks of effort from volunteers from the locally based charity, the workshop was transformed into a fit-for-purpose retail space packed with second hand goods.

All profits from the op-shop will be funnelled back into MADCOW’s homelessness support services.

The move comes ahead of a redevelopment at the Hargraves Street location which will become a space for helping people in accommodation insecurity with services including food, showers, laundry and storage facilities.

MADCOW director Matt Parkinson said the organisation piloted the hub model for homeless support at the end of 2020.

“We do all the basic stuff, coffee, all those kinds of things, a little bit of emergency accommodation which we’ll pay for sometimes,” he said.

“In our hub we now have the likes of impact recovery that come in, drug and alcohol counsellors, community health, we have HavenHomesafe and those sorts of things.”

The Hargraves Street location was created to be a space where people can access basic amenities, and when ready get support from more specialised services, such as counselling.

“It’s taken off really well in two and a half years because it’s when they’re ready and we help them get ready basically, it’s that simple,” Mr Parkinson said.

The hub already has a hairdresser and Mr Parkinson said there were plans to develop a clinical space which will include a podiatrist.

MADCOW members initially planned to develop the organisation over a period of 10 to 15 years but philanthropic funding enabled the acceleration of the plans.

The $3.4 million in donations was used to purchase the Hargraves Street building, pay for refurbishments, and place a deposit on the Eaglehawk op-shop.

Funds came from organisations including Sidney Myer, Agnico Eagle, The Lord Mayors foundation, the City of Greater Bendigo, and anonymous donors.

“For us as an organisation it’s put us 10 to 15 years ahead,” Mr Parkinson said.

The MADCOW op-shop is open on weekdays from 9.30am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10. am to 3pm.