Today RSPCA Victoria has advised volunteers at the Portland op shop it has made the difficult decision to close the store after more than 20 years of operation, with Wednesday 9 October 2024 to be the last day of trade.

Acting Head of Commercial Enterprises Stephanie Neil explained the change.

“RSPCA Victoria, along with so many across the state, are feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis,” Ms Neil said.

“As a result of this, combined with continually increasing costs and reducing margins, it’s no longer financially viable for us to continue to operate the op shop in Portland.

“We understand this news may be disappointing to our wonderful volunteers and those in the community who have supported us.

“However, as a not-for-profit organisation we have a responsibility to ensure everything we do is financially sustainable and is ultimately in the best interests of our core mission – ending cruelty to animals.

“This has been a difficult decision, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank every one of our generous volunteers both past and present for their hard work over the years, and those in the community who have supported the shop and our work.

“While we will no longer have a bricks and mortar presence in Portland, our Community Outreach and Education teams will have services available, and our Inspectors will continue to investigate reports of animal cruelty in the area.”

The store will hold a final two-day sale from Tuesday 8 – Wednesday 9 October where locals can fill a bag for just $5.

In an effort to reduce waste, local community groups, charities and other organisations are asked to get in touch if they are interested in repurposing any of the shop fixtures of fittings – contact opshopsupport@rspcavic.org.au.

There are many ways for the local community to continue to support RSPCA Victoria’s work to end cruelty to animals, including community fundraising and reporting animal cruelty.