Bairnsdale’s new Dressing for Jobs Opportunity Shop has been open just a short time and already it’s starting to change lives.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester met up with manager Karen Fleischer recently to discuss her vision for the Macleod Street shop.
“This is a terrific venture that helps its customers as well as those who work and train there,” Mr Chester said.
“It can be hard to land a job without the right clothes to wear to an interview. This op shop helps job seekers to look the part without spending a lot of money.
“There’s also help available with resume writing and interview skills, as well as providing opportunities to get experience working in a retail setting.”
Dressing for Jobs is an innovation of Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre (PNC). PNC manager Karen Fleischer said local job seekers in all industries needed affordable, good quality work clothes.
“We are open for business and need the community’s support to survive,” Mrs Fleischer said.
“This centre is a training ground for those undertaking courses at the PNC who want a position in retail. We are looking for volunteers with experience in retail to act as mentors for our participants working in the op shop. We also need mentors with trade experience for those in The Work Shed next door, where they turn old pellets into seats and boxes and other wooden items.”
Mrs Fleischer said the op shop needed donations of work and casual clothes, as well as evening wear and accessories such as jewellery, hand bags and shoes.
“And importantly, we also need customers for our shop. So, come and see us if you are looking for work or casual clothes or something for a special occasion,” Mrs Fleischer said.
“The experience of working in the op shop is helping to change people’s lives, particularly the young people who are getting on-the-job experience. Their self-confidence is growing every day.”
Dressing for Jobs Opportunity Shop is located at 193 Macleod Street, Bairnsdale, and is open between 10am 3pm Monday to Thursday. For more information, contact Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre at 55 The Esplanade, Paynesville.
