Tanilba Bay op shop celebrates fifteenth birthday

Gail Taylor, Managing Director of Church 4 Life Charities.

TUCKED away in the far corner of the Kooinda Centre in Tanilba Bay is a hidden trove of treasures.

Celebrating fifteen years of operation, Tilligerry locals affectionately call it ‘The Church Shop’.

DaUpdateAdvertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

In 2009 Church 4 Life had a weekly community dinner, Sunday church services and a thriving kids and youth program running in Tanilba Bay, so opening an op shop to serve locals seemed a natural next step.

On 27 July, in a much smaller space than today, Pastor Richard and Lesley Nash opened the doors to a brand new op shop and invited the community in.

Over the last fifteen years a beautiful shop has grown to become a place where customers find more than affordable groceries, clothes and household items.

They find someone who cares, a helping hand when needed, a place to give back, new friends and real community. Thousands of people have found practical help, connection and new hope.

People like Chloe, who was so desperate financially that she was using dish washing liquid as body soap until she came into the op shop.

There she was helped with a hamper and an encouraging chat.

And Violeta, a single Mum, who came looking for part time local work and found friendship, purpose and new confidence.

“When we opened the doors, we had no idea how big an impact we’d have on the Tilligerry, or how big an impact they would have on our lives.

“Only God knew the amazing gifts this op shop would bring so many people,” Pastor Richard shared.

Gail Taylor, Managing Director of Church 4 Life Charities, said, “We wouldn’t be here without the fantastic ongoing local support.

“Our 15th Birthday Celebration and a fifteen percent storewide sale this Saturday 27 July is our way of celebrating and saying thanks to our community.”

If you come and peek inside the shop, it only takes a moment to see the real treasures are the team members like Debbie, Zeljka and Violeta, and regular customers like Paul, Liz, Greg, Len and Lisa.

Gail, Katrina and Zeljka.

Leave a Reply

Top