Community
14 August, 2023
Warrnambool welcomes Officeworks
IT may have only opened its doors to customers on Wednesday, but Officeworks’ newest store – in the heart of Warrnambool – has already been warmly embraced by the community.
Recognising demand within the growing south west region, the new Warrnambool store is the retailer’s first in the area, its 12th in regional Victoria and its 51st store across the state.
With the previous closest store more than two hours away in Ballarat or Waurn Ponds, the new 1,675 sqm store in Warrnambool features refreshed branding and will provide the local community and surrounds with trusted value on its 40,000+ product range and services that customers know and love.
With everything from stationery, technology and furniture through to self-serve kiosks, click and collect, print and create services, and wheelchair and pram access, this bright blue store promises an easy and exciting shopping experience.
And store business manager Mark Ellis couldn’t be happier.
“We’re all very excited to finally open our doors to Warrnambool,” he said.
“This store has created 32 local jobs, including several young team members, and we’re all enthusiastic about what the future brings and how we can become embedded in our local community.”
Kick-starting the sense of community connection, Wednesday’s official launch included the presentation of $2000 donations to both Warrnambool College and WDEA Training Works.
On hand to accept the donation, college principal David Clift said he was looking forward to a long and healthy association with the business.
“Our school community is very grateful for this donation and we look forward to an ongoing partnership,” he said.
“With over 1200 students we have been very keen to further develop our indigenous gardens in our school yards and this generous donation will go a long way towards doing that, along with several other projects.”
WDEA Training Works training manager Nathan Isles also expressed his gratitude to Officeworks, particularly given his organisation was a not-for-profit one.
“Over the years we have generated employment for over 40,000 people and we’re very proud of that and hope to continue to do so well into the future,” he said.
“We have diversified in so many ways since our inception as an employment agency; we now offer so much more to the community.
“This donation will allow us to expand our resources even further and for that we are grateful.”
Those at Wednesday’s official opening were treated to a dance display by young members of the Koko Blokes along with a Welcome to Country from Uncle Rob, elder of Peek Whurrong Lands of the Maar Nation.
Officeworks managing director Sarah Hunter highlighted the store’s sustainability initiatives, including 100 per cent LED lights with low wattage, along with a ‘Bring it Back’ recycling program.
She also emphasised the company’s philosophy of working closely with long-term partner, The Clontarf Foundation, to support young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men in securing meaningful employment opportunities.
“Our team is looking forward to connecting and building relationships within Warrnambool and its surrounding communities, inspiring them to work, learn, create, and connect,” Ms Hunter said.
“We’re excited to be opening this new store in regional Victoria, providing the community with access to the items they need, at low prices, and making shopping at Officeworks more accessible to more people.”
As part of supporting its local community, Officeworks will host a Community Family Fun Day next Saturday, August 19 from 10am to 1pm.
The day will include free arts and crafts, coffee, face painting and giveaways.
The new store is conveniently located at 65 Raglan Parade and is open 7am-7pm weekdays, 8am-6pm Saturday and 9am-6pm Sunday.
