Grafton Branch of the UHA consists of approximately 30 members, mostly ladies and a few men all in the retired age group.

We raise funds to purchase equipment for the Grafton Base Hospital, selling raffle tickets, holding morning tea events and running an Op Shop which was in the hospital premises. Then Covid hit in 2020 and put an end to our activities.

Later when other Op Shops began to re-open we were still unable because of hospital restrictions, but that did not deter our ladies.

Our next venture was a Pop Up shop in the center of town, what a great idea this was and to be opened for the Christmas trading period. So, with only a couple of days to set up from scratch, our small group of able workers not only achieved this but also ran a very successful shop. Thanks Des from Harveys Arcade for this opportunity.

We are still hoping to get the all clear to return to our previous shop after we were informed in February 2021 that our premises was needed by the hospital for a Discharge Transit Unit, and our stock put in storage. What to do next?

So we opened our Clothing & Collectable Shop on May 1, this time unpacking box upon box from storage, and setting up furniture for displays, all with about 5-days till opening day.

There are no words to describe how hard these members worked, setting up these shops then putting their names down to work in the shop. Being a volunteer is not only about raising funds, but also mixing with the community and making friends along the way.

Our lease ran out in mid October and we were on the move again, thank you to the Notaras family for giving us the opportunity to continue our fund raising for the hospital (which helps the Grafton community).

So, back to the packing and unpacking, which was growing by the day, and our band of workers once again excelled themselves. We can recommend them as top removalists, but not sure if they want to make it a career.

We opened on October 20 at 107 Pound Street, where we hope to remain for some time. Thanks, Beau Johnson from Rokamba Pty Ltd for your help. 

Its been an amazing journey and it proves what can be accomplished even in Covid.

Julie Smith