The Goondiwindi Community Bookshop is now open, with all the proceeds from its sales going directly to local health and ageing initiatives.
Known previously as the Goondiwindi Blue Care Bookshop, customers should still expect the same great service and wide range of second-hand books in the popular store under the town clock in Marshall Street, organisers said this week.
As it has been for many years, the bookshop will be coordinated as normal by Marianne Carter and a team of dedicated local volunteers.
Goondiwindi Regional Councillor, Susie Kelly, holds Council’s portfolio for community facilities and said Council had previously leased the bookshop premises to Blue Care at no cost.
However, Blue Care’s funding model had changed, and locals were no longer benefiting from the funds, she said.
Council assisted the bookshop volunteers to find a way to continue the business but with local people benefitting from the proceeds, and the Goondiwindi Rotary Club agreed to auspice the group.
The proceeds will be distributed to local causes within the areas of health and aged care, to be decided through a formal application to a committee.
Cr Kelly said it was a great thing for the community that the money will be staying in town and going to local initiatives.
“I think the general community sentiment, and that of the bookshop volunteers, is that we want those proceeds to go to local causes and to help local community members,” she said.
“We’d all agree that there are many very deserving local groups and organisations who would benefit from extra funds, and keeping that money local had certainly always been Council’s original intent when leasing the premises at no cost.
“Council is in full support of our local Blue Care agency, who continue to do wonderful work within our community,” Cr Kelly said.
“However due to the nature of the services provided by this organisation, such as their home care programs, they are primarily funded by the federal government.”
Cr Kelly said the Goondiwindi Community Bookshop is now a wonderful example of local groups working together to benefit our community.
“The volunteers are excited about the prospect of supporting local health and aging causes, and it’s fantastic that Rotary has very kindly agreed to auspice the bookshop on behalf of our local bookshop volunteers, and as such provide business support,” she said.
“The outcome really is now a local community bookshop, run by locals – for locals.”
The Goondiwindi Community Bookshop welcomes donations of books during its opening hours, and is always happy to have new volunteers join the friendly team.
“There’s a fantastic array of books on offer and I encourage everyone to take advantage of this terrific service, and in turn provide funds for local causes,” Cr Kelly said.
“I also want to say a very special thank-you to Marianne [Carter] and her group of volunteers. It’s extremely important to have the support of the volunteers, who can now get on with ensuring they get the best outcomes for local health and aging causes.”
