You’re invited! Annie’s celebrates 30 years of giving back in Junee

JUNEE’S much-loved opportunity shop, Annie’s Place, will mark a significant milestone this Saturday, celebrating 30 years of community service, connection and quiet generosity.

The Broadway op-shop, operated by St Luke’s Anglican Parish, has become a staple in the lives of locals since its doors first opened in 1995.

What began as a small idea to support mission work has grown into a thriving community hub, powered by more than 30 volunteers.

The store will host a community birthday event this Saturday, November 15, from 10am, featuring a free sausage sizzle, morning tea and a ceremonial cake cutting. Everyone is warmly invited.

Speaking with The Junee Bulletin, co-coordinator Peter Nell said the celebration is less about the building, and more about the people and purpose behind it.

“Annie’s has become more than just a charity shop — it’s been a lifeline, a meeting place, a treasure trove and a symbol of hope,” Peter said.

“Whether it was providing affordable clothing, household goods, or simply a warm smile and a listening ear, Annie’s has touched countless lives in ways both big and small.”

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

A BIG IDEA FROM A BIG HEART

Annie’s Place was established in 1995 when parish member Iris Gamble approached the church with an idea to open an op-shop that would raise funds for mission work and help locals in need.

The store was named after the former St Anne’s Mission Hall in Regent Street, a building that served the Anglican community from 1930 until its closure in 1994.

Photo: Domain

Though the hall eventually became a private residence, its legacy lives on through Annie’s Place.

“Thirty years ago, Iris saw a need, felt a calling, and took action,” Peter said.

“Her vision was simple — to create a space where generosity, dignity and care could flourish. And flourish it did.”

Annie’s first operated from a Broadway building that previously housed a chicken shop.

Eventually, Peter said the local Barrett family purchased the premises and leased it to St Luke’s, before Iris later secured a loan and paid the building off, allowing the church to take ownership.

Today, the store forms part of the St Luke’s Church Property Trust, with all funds raised poured directly back into missions and helping locals.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

QUIET SUPPORT WHEN PEOPLE NEED IT MOST

While many know Annie’s Place as a second-hand treasure trove offering clothing, shoes, toys, books, bric-a-brac and homewares, fewer realise how far its impact reaches.

Profits from the store help support a young missionary working overseas, presentation day awards for local schools, and quiet, confidential assistance for locals facing hardship — including paying for urgent medication or essential items.

“We don’t want a pat on the back for anything we do,” Peter said.

“We try to keep it anonymous. If someone in town is struggling, we find out the situation, and if we can, we help — quietly.”

“We just want to be able to give and help people who need that help.”

The shop also doubles as a safe place for conversation, comfort and connection.

“People come in just needing someone to talk to. There’s a lot of ministry that happens in that building,” Peter said, describing the store as “a beacon of generosity and love.”

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

RENOVATED. REFRESHED. RENEWED.

More than 30 volunteers — a mix of parish members and community locals — keep the op-shop running.

Recent renovations have refreshed the store, making it brighter and more functional, with new carpet, fresh paint, a dedicated sorting room, and upgraded interiors.

“We’ve got the building in A1 condition,” Peter said.

“Our volunteers love working there because it’s clean and nice, and they feel looked after.”

“They give their time, their energy and their hearts — that’s what makes Annie’s what it is. None of this would have been possible without them.”

SATURDAY’S CELEBRATION

The anniversary celebration will begin at 10am and include a tribute to founder Iris Gamble. Members of her family have been invited to help cut the anniversary cake.

“Annie’s Place has been a staple of town for so long,” Peter said.

“We’d love to see the community come along — pop in for a sausage, pop in for a chat, just show your support.”