Community
12 August, 2026
Growing the TOPS family
SINCE its opening in 2011, Timboon Opportunity Shop (TOPS) has surpassed over 30 dedicated volunteers who are committed to the cause of giving back to their community.
To highlight the impact and importance of volunteering, a selection of TOPS volunteers decided to share their stories and the reasons they keep coming back for more.
Brenda Parfett said she assisted in the creation of TOPS, a project she felt was significantly needed in Timboon.
“When I came to Timboon I enquired if there was an op shop and the answer was no,” she said.
“Sometime later, someone approached me about an op shop and asked if I would run it.
“My reason for volunteering was I saw a need in the town and I was able to work in establishing TOPS as it is today.
“It’s an important part of the Timboon township – taking goods, selling them and the profits go to Timboon and the wider district.”
Volunteer Elaine Lock said she was also there from the inception of TOPS and was encouraged by Mrs Parfett to sign up to volunteer.
“I brought some donations in and Brenda said to me they needed somebody for Friday to work in the shop,” she said.
“Having never worked in a shop I thought I couldn’t possibly, but anyway I did, and I’m still here.
“I enjoy the friendship, the routine, meeting different people and learning different things all the time.”
Several volunteers quoted friendship, laughter, connection and the feeling of giving back as their encouragement for continuing to volunteer at TOPS year after year.
“It’s so interesting to wonder why we volunteer at TOPS,” Ros Stansmore said.
“It’s the fun and laughter, the cups of tea, the surprises in the bags and wondering where the rain will come in next.
“It’s the camaraderie of workers, customers and their generosity.
“It’s wondering what Molly will be wearing, or Norman in the big window.
“I enjoy working with the other volunteers, the laughs and the friendship that comes with it.”
Volunteer Enid O’Connor said the camaraderie of working with friends made time spent at TOPS worthwhile.
“TOPS is a unique identity, reselling items of all shapes, sizes and colours,” she said.
“We receive donations in unbelievable amounts and the best part is the volunteers.
“It’s great to come and be part of a group of loyal locals, enabling the community to benefit from all TOPS provides.
“Our volunteers are the best in the south west.”
Evelyn Thompson, who has volunteered at TOPS for approximately nine years, added there was the benefit of improved mental health from the lasting connections made with her fellow volunteers.
“I think it’s very good for our mental health to support each other in challenging times,” she said.
“It’s nice to have that support network around us.
“I think volunteers are very important now, particularly with the younger generations where more often than not both parents are having to work to support their families and they just don’t have the time to volunteer at all, whereas that was part of our upbringing – to help in the community.
“The role we are doing here is wonderful for the community and it’s good to be able to support the local community groups.”
Mrs Parfett said TOPS was always on the lookout for more volunteers and anyone with spare time was welcome to join the fray.
Read More: Timboon