The Australian International Multicultural Association (AIM Association) celebrated the Grand Opening of their Op Shop on Friday in Revesby, with many guests attending the joyous occasion, including Clr Rachelle Harika, Deputy Mayor of Canterbury Bankstown City Council, Mrs. Kylie Wilkinson – Member for East Hills, Zhi Soon – Federal Member for Banks, Rachel Merton MLC, The Hon. Lynda Voltz – Member for Auburn, Clrs David Walsch, Jennifer Walther, Wendy Lindsay, and George Zakhia of Canterbury Bankstown Council, Clr. Peter Camilleri of Blacktown City Council, and CBCC CEO Wally Mehanna, among many other distinguished guests.

The opening ceremony kicked off with the founding president of AIM Association and Media Manager of Oz Arab Media, Dr Charbel Tadros, giving his remarks and emphasising that the shop reflects what AIM stands for: empowering communities, celebrating diversity, and creating opportunities. Tadros further highlighted that the shop will not only sell used goods to the local community but also support causes monthly.

Councillor David Walsh pointed out the many ways the op shop will benefit the local community. “In a number of ways, first of all, op shops they’re making money for charities, and that is so important. Making money for those who need it most, provides cheap goods which helps ease cost of living pressures, provides local jobs, keeps money within the local community and also the circular economy and instead of goods going out into the trash, into landfills, it stays within the bins and out of landfills,” Walsh emphasised.

Guests enjoyed a selection of wraps, sliders, pastries, and drinks before the ribbon was cut and champagne popped, marking the momentous occasion of the shop’s official opening.