Vinnies launch the Goodies Junction

(Goodies Junction Mitchell site manager Karinya Wheeldon makes a new friend in the cosy book nook.)

KARINYA Wheeldon is bouncing with excitement as she shares her plans for the Goodies Junction.

“There will be a racetrack winding through the kid’s area and a Narnia-style wardrobe in the clothes section,” the Mitchell site manager said.

“We are working on a cosy book nook with couches and throw rugs and floor cushions where people can snuggle up, read, and relax.”

St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn, who took over management of both the Mitchell and Mugga Lane Resource Management Centres at the end of May this year, open their doors as the Goodies Junction on 1 July.

With the sites already bursting at the seams with second hand treasures, Karinya said she was amazed by the volume of goods donated over the past two weeks.

“When we got here, the shed was completely empty – just concrete and colorbond,” she said.

“Canberrans have been so positive and so generous.”

Karinya said the role was a dream come true, spending her working hours outdoors or roaming the big shed.

“It is just happy days organising, putting things in place and getting my creative flair on,” she said.

“The world’s your oyster in here.”

The Goodies Junction plans to be more than just recycling and sales, offering a flexible space for the community.

“There will be a sustain- ability section where people can come in and have workshops to repair bikes, learn about upcycling and things like that,” Karinya said.

“I think it is nice for people to have somewhere to go and build connection and community. It’s a nice environment, and it’s easy to get to on the tram line. Outside, we’re looking at having tables and chairs, umbrellas, and a barbecue area to have community days where people can come and get settled in, have a sausage sizzle, and let the kids play.”

The new name signals a new chapter, offering a different donation process and retail experience to the Vinnies shops.

“It is quite simple: we will take your goodies and do good things for our community, both for charitable and environmen- tal causes,” said Director of Operations Lindsay Rae.

“We have everything here,” Karinya said.

“Furniture, clothes, home décor, kids’ toys, books… and just a little bit of whimsy.”