This year celebrates 100 years of op shops in Australia, and we’ve been there (almost) the whole way.
The term ‘op shops’ was coined in Melbourne in 1925, when Lady Millie Tallis opened the first ‘opportunity shop’ to raise funds for St Vincent’s Hospital.
Uniting’s op shop roots run deep – our legacy churches and founding agencies were leaders in reuse and affordable retail, with many operating op shops from the 1930s onwards.
These shops weren’t just about clothing and household goods. They were about independence and dignity, giving people the ability to choose and buy what they needed, at a price they could afford. They were also about resourcefulness – salvaging, repairing and recycling – long before these became mainstream sustainability practices.
Today, Uniting Op Shops carry forward that legacy. Our teams of staff and volunteers continue to shape spaces where people find connection, express individuality and discover the joy of treasure hunting – all while supporting vital community programs across Victoria and Tasmania.
And the Uniting Preston Op Shop is no different. Taking pride in the centre of Preston’s bustling High Street, this shop not only houses some incredible finds, it also provides a wonderful sense of community for locals.
Dogs are welcome, in fact, they’re encouraged. Local pup Milo knows this as she heads straight to the counter to greet the staff.
David, who volunteers at the store, says dogs and their owners are always welcome.
“We keep dog treats behind the counter – we love seeing the dogs come in, and we want their owners to come back to the store!”
Discover your nearest Uniting Op Shop.
Learn more about volunteering at Uniting.
