Good Sammy directors, employees, volunteers, customers and partners were joined by local dignitaries including City of Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge to celebrate the official opening of our new Fremantle store on Thursday 1 December.
Our bright yellow Op Shop at 13-19 William Street was the place to be on the first day of summer, with more than 100 people on hand to enjoy the festivities at Good Sammy’s newest and largest store south of the river.
Maar Koodjal Aboriginal Corporation CEO and founding director Dennis Simmons got the event underway with a touching Welcome to Country, which was followed by a traditional dance in which guests were invited to participate.
Good Sammy Chief Executive Officer Kane Blackman welcomed attendees and spoke of his and the organisation’s excitement about more than doubling Good Sammy’s presence in the port city and the associated capacity to provide more employment and training avenues for people with disability following the store’s relocation from High Street.
At 1,145sqm, our new Fremantle store is fully integrated with an expanded retail offering for customers, including the addition of furniture in-store. There is also a Containers for Change collection point and donation drop off point via a rear access laneway, as well as a community space for upcycling and recycling workshops and other activations like temporary pop up markets promoting goods and services produced by Fremantle residents and people with disability. Central to the store’s design is a full inclusion and accessibility offering. Features include auto sliding doors, wheelchair accessible change rooms and wide aisles.
Mr Blackman also spoke of how the store’s design was inspired by the Freo community and Good Sammy’s shared commitment to upcycling, recycling, thrifting and sustainability.
Our store manager, Charmaine, led a Q&A with store employees Marion and Sarah who detailed their employment journeys with Good Sammy and how delighted they were with the new and bigger Fremantle store.
City of Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge closed formalities by welcoming Good Sammy to our new location in the centre of town and for bringing a splash of colour with us.
A ceremonial ribbon cutting concluded the event, marking the official opening of the store.
Good Sammy is encouraging local businesses, schools and community groups to partner and collaborate with us at our new Fremantle store. Opportunities include hosting donation drives for quality clothes, furniture and homewares, volunteering at the store and using the store’s Containers for Change service.
For more information about volunteering and disability employment opportunities at the store, people are encouraged to visit the store or call 9463 0500.
Trading hours for our new William Street, Fremantle store are 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm-4.30pm Sundays.
