Buena Vista is back in business; with a little help from their friends!

The stalwart local “opportunity shop” opened again this week after the first-ever refit in its 60-year history

Structural issues from the installation of new electronics delayed the relaunch with volunteer staff flat-out getting everything right for the big day.

“We had security cameras installed, and the roof started to bow,” Buena Vista spokesperson, Katherine Teideman said.

“They were simply a bit heavy for the pop-tiles on the ceiling, so we had to delay opening a week.”

A well-known trade supplier, however, came to their aid keeping the extra closure time — for which the local charity is not making money — to a week: “Tilston’s Building Exhibition Centre rushed to the rescue, donating their time and expertise to fixing the roof inside when it started to bow,” Katherine said.

To keep work local, the not-for-profit utilised Colour City family-run businesses for the refit ranging from removalists, flooring specialists, painters, and signage.

“All the contractors UPA (United Protestant Association) utilised, went above and beyond and we couldn’t be happier with their service.

“Timeline hiccups meant juggling contractors’ days and times often at short notice, but they all worked it into their schedules, even if it meant working on top of each other some days. UPA is very grateful,” Katherine said.

With more than half a century under their belt, the two months’ shuttered was a novelty for the charity, that provides not only cheap clothes and other goods, but financial support for locals.

“This is the first time that we’ve shut to renovate since we moved here 50 years ago.

We actually started on 15 April 1961 at an old bakery building near the railway station,” Katherine said.

The shop now has a fresh clean feel, with old features also given a new lease on life. “It was painted throughout with new flooring and all new fittings also.

“We donated a lot of our old bookcases to the Resource Recovery Centre to use in their little shop.”   

Originally established to support a children’s home of the same name in Orange, the store now funds a range of good works in Orange and district.

“All our money now gets donated to UPA Family Support,” Katherine said.

“We support people going through the courts, grandparents’ groups, and family groups.”

UPA also provides care for the elderly in our community via home care services, and accommodation including Ascott Gardens, Astill Court, Kooronga Lodge, Sunset Vista, and Prunus Lodge at Molong, with supportive locals playing a key role in the store’s quick turnaround.

“None of this could be possible without our incredible volunteers, spending their time emptying everything out of the store, then filling it back up a few weeks later.

“These ladies and gentlemen are a true gift from God, and we are so lucky to have them,” Katherine added.

With the shop also providing a friendly and regular contact point for many, the staff and volunteers are anticipating a return rush of regulars to see the fit-out.

“All the tradies, they did a beautiful job, the painters worked weekends for no extra charges, we’ve been very lucky.

“We’re excited to show everybody what we’ve done, and they are invited to come and have a look at the new store,” Katherine concluded.