Debbie Johns is considered a legend to the many volunteers of the Cobram Youth Op Shop for a great many reasons, but most particularly her willingness to help everyone in need.
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However, we should go back to the beginning five years ago, when Deb learnt a group of Cobram youth had expressed a keenness to raise funds towards a new cinema in the town.
Always willing to help anyone with a worthwhile cause, particularly when it involves the youth of the district, Deb approached Robert Morey who was on the committee driving the proposal for the new cinema.
Putting forward her idea to operate a youth op shop to help raise funds towards the cinema and other youth projects, Rob was very receptive to the idea and Deb immediately swung into action.
With just a $20 note in hand she attended a garage sale and picked up two concrete seats for $10 each. This new entrepreneur then turned her purchase into a pleasing profit, selling the two seats for $60 each.
A profit of $100 from one transaction. This was the beginning of many such trips to garage sales and markets.
Deb searched for good saleable items she could turn over and make a sound profit on - and she did a lot of that.
Deb is handy with a hammer and can create something out of nothing. And often with just a little effort she has transformed a nothing into something that somebody was keen to buy.
At a buy, swap and sell meet she picked up clothing racks and coat hangers for next to nothing from an owner who was closing his store and which today are well-utilised in the Cobram Youth Op Shop.
The old saying "from little things big things grow" certainly is true for Deb and the op shop crew.
From small beginnings and just an idea, the Cobram Youth Foundation was formed and opened the doors to the Op Shop on November 1, 2016. To date, $216,000 has been donated towards the cinema development, $20,000 towards conducting Rumble in the Gums, scholarships for students going to university, $65,000 has been provided in grants for youth sporting groups and local schools plus other youth related needs.
Deb still attends garage sales but finds the generosity of the Cobram community inspiring as items are dropped in on a daily basis at the large premises at 14 Jordon St, which she oversees in her capacity as manager with 22 trusted volunteers on the roster who give their heart and soul to this project.
You could house an average home with what is available in the store, which includes kitchen items including crockery and small electrical items, clothing, shoes, bags, books, CDs, videos, gardening implements and plants, furniture, bedding and bric-a-brac.
Deb starts work at 7 am on most days and is generally there until 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday, and again on a Saturday morning - and occasionally a Sunday.
She is an energetic, passionate woman who loves helping people in need and she does this in a happy and positive way.
She is married to truck driver husband David and has two sons and three grandchildren.
“The Cobram Op Shop is not just a job to me, its about being community-minded when you live in a small town,” Deb said.
Recognising the group of volunteers who work alongside Deb in a happy work environment, they are treated to dinner at a local hotel or restaurant as a thank you from for their amazing efforts throughout the year. A recognition they so deserve for many hours of selfless contribution to their community.
Today, the Cobram Youth Op Shop is at two locations, a smaller shop front in Bank St and the larger premises at 14 Jordon St, Cobram.
Women's picnic lunch
A women’s picnic lunch is on Saturday, March 20, from noon, where agronomist Mary O'Brien will outline strategies she has developed for getting through hard times after a lifetime of working with the rural sector.
Today, the divide between city and rural has never been greater, while our city counterparts rarely understand what people in rural areas have been going through in the past few years.
Undoubtedly city dwellers also undergo worrying issues, but it does not compare with the ongoing challenges of our farming communities.
Costs of farming have escalated as farmers embrace the latest technology to improve production and yet farm gate profits have in some cases become almost negligible and overseas markets have dwindled.
Rural farmers and businesses are working harder and longer hours just to keep their businesses afloat but all of this comes at a serious cost, a person's health.
Country men and women are hardworking, tough, funny, caring and genuine folk who need to rely on their mates more today than ever before.
When times are tough, we need each other. We need our friends for a chat, a cuppa or perhaps a beer at the end of a long, harrowing day.
Come along, perhaps bring a friend and join Mary on March 20 at Thompsons Beach, Cobram. Bring your own lunch and a drink or you can purchase something to eat from the Beach Café. Don’t forget to bring a chair.
Bookings are essential. To book, phone 0429 179 639 before March 15. It is a free event. For more information, visit maryobrienrural.com.au
Are you bogged, mate?
Mary O'Brien will also host ‘Are You Bogged Mate?’ with a men's barbecue at 6 pm on Saturday, March 20.
“Country blokes are facing challenges like never before and it doesn't mean you need to get stuck in the mud. There are plenty of places to get a tow and it takes guts to admit you're bogged. We're making sure you are connected to the right hands to pull you out,” Mary said.
Men are encouraged to come along and enjoy a barbecue in a relaxed environment and have a chat to Mary. She understands the difficulties being faced today by those on the land and associated businesses - and she listens.
You are welcome to bring along a friend or family member over the age of 15 years.
The Fruit Growers Association, Victorian Farmers Federation and I K Caldwell are strong in supporting Are You Bogged mate? initiated by Mary.
Bookings are essential as numbers are limited. To book, phone 0429 179 639 before March 15.
The barbecue is a free event and will be held at Tranquil Hills, 70 Wyatt Rd, Cobram East.