18th March 2025


Our Bentley Park Op Shop has been a core part of our village makeup for decades. It’s the perfect place to donate what you no longer want and buy whatever it is you may need, but the service is only made possible thanks to a valuable team of resident volunteers. One being Margaret, who has recently retired as our dedicated long-serving Op Shop Coordinator.

Where it All Began

After her husband passed in 2006, Bentley Park retirement living resident Margaret Frew turned to her community for support, spending most days helping out with various village initiatives. She began by driving the SwanMobile, however after a conversation with fellow resident Mary Manning, Margaret was led to discover another volunteering opportunity. One she quickly fell in love with. 

“Mary and I became good friends over our shared passion for pottery. She had already been volunteering at the Op Shop for a couple of years, when one day she asked me at Pottery if I’d ever be interested in becoming the shop’s Coordinator.”

With that, Margaret joined the team, playing a key part in helping the Op Shop flourish and thrive for what would become an incredible 17 years. 

The pair have worked side by side ever since, with the experience bringing both Margaret and Mary closer together - so close, they’re practically one in the same.

“We even came up with our own language!” Laughs Margaret, “Mary would show me an item, and I had a special hand signal for ‘keep’ and another one for ‘bin’. Sometimes we only had to look at each other, it was like we were mind readers.”

Mary agreed, adding “One of my favourite parts about working with Margaret over the years has been her sense of humour. We can always find the time to share a laugh together, no matter what.”

Stronger Together

Other members of the team include Karen, Noleen, Ann, Joelle, Marion, Jenny, Chris, Adleen, Franceine and Bevan. Together, their friendly personalities have helped the Op Shop transform into so much more than just a store. Today, it can be described as a hub for the community, where Margaret says people from all walks of life are welcomed with open arms.

“It’s been a real highlight for me to get to know so many people over the years. If anyone had a little problem, they knew they could pull up a seat and talk to us. It felt good knowing they recognised the Op Shop as a safe, positive place to go. 

And it’s not just residents in the village, we get visitors from Mandurah, Mount Hawthorn, even Geraldton. Although we can’t forget our dear Ruby, a 100-year-old residential aged care resident from SwanCare Waminda! She’s one of our favourite regulars.”

When discussing her favourite aspect of the role, Mary agreed with Margaret that it was the people who stop by the Op Shop that make all the difference.

“I always look forward to seeing who is coming in and being able to have that social interaction. We can laugh and joke, they give me rubbish and I give them rubbish back! It’s always been that kind of place where people can come together and be happy.”

A Purchase with a Purpose

It’s no surprise with their strong community spirit that the Bentley Park Op Shop is big on giving back. It’s a side to the service Margaret has thoroughly enjoyed being part of.

“We donate funds to a range of groups in the village including the Social Club, Social Dance; we’ve also helped purchase new boards for the Darts Club, many different things,” explains Margaret, “Plus, we work closely with local charities such as women’s refuges and homeless shelters by putting aside extra items for collection.”

“It feels so great being able to help people,” adds Mary, “it’s extremely rewarding knowing you’re making a real difference to people’s lives.”

These generous acts of kindness have awarded the Op Shop with certificates of recognition, proudly displayed inside the store. It’s a real reflection of what the shop stands for, something Margaret hopes will inspire others to join the team.

“It’s not the kind of role where you just sit in the corner - you’re giving back to the community. You meet so many people who end up becoming good friends, and overall, you gain the sense that you’re making a real contribution to life both in and outside the village.”

And if that wasn’t enough, Op Shop volunteers are also offered a very attractive wage: a hot cuppa with a biscuit!