Opinion
8 September, 2023
NicNaks are in fashion
One shining example of a great organisation with amazing people is the Port Douglas Community Service Network. They offer three support programs, these being the neighbourhood centre, the child and parent support program and the NicNak Shed.
Established in 1999 and registered as a charity in 2011, the NicNak Shed is Port Douglas’ one-and-only op shop with an eclectic selection of goods donated by local residents and businesses. Monies raised go directly back into the local community to help with funding of the Port Douglas Community Service Network via the emergency relief program, while supplying emergency clothing, bedding, and furniture to those in need.
The NicNak Shed, run by fulltime manager Jo and a band of hardworking volunteers, sells quality clothing, baby goods, books, toys, jewellery, linen, bric-a-brac, giftware, furniture, electrical goods, plus camping equipment … the list goes on. This amazing range of products, in store, would not be possible without the generosity of the local community.
On Saturday, September 23, the NikNak Shed will be holding its annual Fashion Parade at Palmer Sea Reef Golf Club from 1pm. Apart from the important fundraising, the afternoon will involve a whole heap of entertainment as well as the parade itself and will also include a drink on arrival, finger food, raffles and lucky door prizes. With some music provided during the afternoon, there’s normally some energetic dancing once the attendees get in the spirit of things.
For the parade, all models are dressed by the NicNak Shed and local businesses very generously donate prizes and staging to assist fundraising on the day.
If the last few years are anything to go by, the afternoon promises to be a very colourful and lively event. It may well be worth contacting the Port Douglas Community Service Network, sooner rather than later, to find out if there are still some spaces left. The number is 4066 5518.
During the normal day to day operation of the NikNak Shed, it is important to remember this is not the local dump.
If donating items, keep in mind there are certain items that cannot be sold, such as stained, pilled, torn clothing, second hand underwear, broken toys, stained linen and pillows etc.
Items dumped just create more work for the busy team.
You can find the NicNak Shed at 6-10 Mowbray Street in Port Douglas and their opening hours are 9am-4pm Monday-Thursday, 9am-3.30pm Friday and Saturday mornings from 9am-12pm.
I’m off to try my new outfit, so for now it’s Gazza signing out. Send your stories to
gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
