A recent upgrade in the Quercus Beechworth Community Op Shop has meant a streamlined operation in its sorting room.

Quercus Beechworth operations coordinator Heather Jameson said the valuable upgrade had been funded with a generous $3165 grant from the Community Bank Beechworth & District (Bendigo Bank).

“The sorting room is the hardworking heart of our operation at the Op Shop,” she said.

“This project focused on improving storage, organisation, and safety for our volunteers.

“We have purchased new trolleys, storage tubs, and accessible shelving to assist our dedicated team that sorts an abundance of donations received each week.

“Improvements have already made a big difference as items can now be stored neatly and accessed easily, reducing clutter and creating a more functional workspace.”

Ms Jameson said the upgrade also addressed important key occupational health and safety considerations by improving manual handling practices and reducing trip hazards.

“At Quercus and our Community Op Shop, we remain committed to maintaining a positive and supportive working environment for our volunteers,” she said.

“The sorting room is a busy space, and the sheer volume of donations including a growing amount of unsellable clothing and household items can often be overwhelming.

“These challenges have strengthened our focus on waste reduction and textile recycling, as we continue working towards more sustainable and environmentally conscious operations.

“A heartfelt thank you to the bank for recognising the value of local, volunteer-led initiatives and helping us continue to make a positive impact in the Beechworth community.”

For Quercus Beechworth volunteer of eight years, Judi Neuman, the grant means a lot.

“It also keeps the space neater, it’s easier to access things, and it also means that we can see where things are, and it makes it quicker to pick things up," she said.

“This makes a big difference to the store.

“If we know where things are and what we have in stock, when people ask us for something, it's easy for easier for us to respond to their needs.

“If the store looks good, we feel good as volunteers, too,” she said.

Community Bank Beechworth & District branch manager Theresa Cowan said the bank is proud to see the profits from customers’ everyday banking being reinvested back into the community.

“Supporting projects like the Quercus Beechworth Op Shop upgrade is what community banking is all about,” she said.

“It creates practical improvements that make a real difference for local volunteers, strengthens community connections, and help ensure the sustainability of valued local services."