In the last financial year, St Vincent de Paul Society volunteers in the Ballarat district provided assistance to 11,832 adults and 10,472 children.

The new store is five times larger than their last store and allows for the charity to sell a huge range on new and preloved clothing, accessories and more to help fund their relief and welfare work. 

The store will also feature a replica gold nugget with the inscription “Vinnies Wendouree: The gold nugget of Ballarat” to welcome strangers and locals into the store.

Vinnies Victoria Merchandise Manager Liz Randle said the new-look Wendouree shop will have the space for merchandise to offer something for everyone.

“When you walk into the shop you’ll immediately notice a large, exciting, colourful bric-a-brac area, followed by one of the largest Vinnies apparel offers in Victoria,” she said.

“Unlike the old shop there’s also a nice big furniture department, and a wonderful kids and babies section.”

The new store will also have a large menswear selection as well as a huge collection of special occasion dresses that have been anonymously donated the store by an unknown corporate donor.

St Vincent de Paul Society CEO Sue Cattermole hopes shoppers love the experience of shopping in the new store.  

“We’re sure that customers will appreciate the new location; it’s bigger, brighter, shinier and has an amazing selection of brand new and pre-loved goods,” she said. 

“As always the shop will provide a strong a connection to the local community and will offer customers and volunteers a wonderful opportunity to know that their dollar directly goes to helping people doing it tough in their local community.” 

Vinnies Wendouree is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

Community donations are accepted in-store and volunteering inquiries are welcome.