Val Thurston: Bringing heart, help and happiness to her community

This month marks a remarkable milestone in Australian history: the 100th anniversary of the humble op shop. Once viewed as a last resort for the poor and down-and-out, today’s op shops are vibrant, community-centred hubs brimming with character, sustainability and connection.

Last Saturday, the first-ever World Op Shop Day was celebrated across Australia, honouring a century since Melbourne entertainer-turned-philanthropist Lady Millie Tallis coined the term ‘Opportunity Shop’. Her vision transformed second-hand retail from a social stigma into a national treasure. Since then, more than 3000 op shops have sprung up across the country, about a third are run by faith-based organisations like the Uniting Church.

One such op shop nestled on the NSW South Coast and operated by Corrimal Uniting Church is home to a much-loved volunteer, Val Thurston. Known for her quick smile, friendly nature and endless willingness to help, Val embodies everything op shops stand for.

“I started as a regular customer,” Val explains. “Then one of the ladies said, ‘How would you like to work here?’ I started filling in when others couldn’t make it and now I’ve got my own rostered days. I love it.”

Her days start early, turning on the lights, warming the water for tea, setting up the till, and waiting to welcome the first customer through the door with her signature “Good morning!” followed by a smile. She always has time for a chat.

“Val is the best,” says customer Carmel. “She definitely goes out of her way to find that item you might be seeking.”

Store manager Donna agrees. “She’s friendly, helpful, hard-working and always positive – the life of the party. One thing we know is that Val will always leave you better than she found you.”

Over her four years as a volunteer, Val has come across some quirky and memorable donations – a few mysterious items she couldn’t identify, a vintage Willow dinner set just like her mother’s, and a trove of vinyl records that sparked impromptu dance moves and bopping around the shop. One day, she recalls, a man came in looking for a suit to wear to a wedding that very afternoon.

“I brought out a few, but he didn’t like them. So I went out the back and found another one. He said it looked perfect. A little while later, he came back asking, ‘Is Val here?’ and gave me a cake to say thank you. That was lovely.”

For Val, the delight is in the people. “I like the chatting, the laughing, the cuppa tea. It’s the community,” she says. “You get people who can’t afford much, and they come in here and find something they love. They leave with a smile. And when they smile, we smile.”

As Australia celebrates 100 years of op shops, it’s clear that their value lies not just in the striking fashions, bargain furniture or shelves lined with kitchenware. The real heart of op shops is the volunteers. Treasures like Val, who bring dignity, joy and a sense of belonging to every visitor. Thank you, Val!