Baddaginnie Opportunity Shop - Baddaginnie Achievement Award
A grand idea was suggested approximately ten years ago to a few friends of well known Baddaginnie resident Graeme Schneider, his vision to reopen and reutilise the former Baddaginnie General Store. The premises are located on a predominant central position in the Baddaginnie township.
Originally the building was a hotel, then a general store and also involved a petrol station sub newsagency and post office servicing the public for approximately 160 years.
The building has now become the Baddaginnie Opportunity Shop which has been operating for eight years by interested local volunteers who prepare, arrange and set up displays of donated goods for sale to locals, visitors, travellers and collectors of fine paraphernalia.
Members gather every Wednesday to sort new donations, stocktake, maintain and clean and prepare the many hundreds of items as well as select clothing and other essential requirements to donate to in need people in the Baddaginnie area. The Opportunity Shop is open ever second Saturday from 9am until 1pm and attracts regular visitors from Shepparton, Mansfield, Benalla, Euroa and Alexandra.
During its eight years of operation, approximately $45,000 has been raised for Baddaginnie Community Incorporated and donations have been directed to numerous local projects.
A major undertaking has been the funding for re stumping and new flooring for the Baddaginnie Hall and refurbishing the kitchen area. The dedicated team provide a tireless effort which has created a focal point and attraction for travellers to the small town of Baddaginnie in North East Victoria. The Opportunity Shop has become the social hub for the local community with a friendly cuppa always available. A special mention goes to Graeme and Alison Schneider for their vision and initial establishment of the Baddaginnie Opportunity Store.
Current members are Lorain Armstrong, Fiona Van Der Pavard, Jan Williams, Marion Rankin, Ruth Mollison and Jo White.
The Baddaginnie Store and the volunteer members who run it are recognised for the contribution they have made to the Baddaginnie and district community to improving community spirit, town facilities and restoring a piece of Baddaginnie’s history.