Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Lifeline has officially shut its Ayr store, becoming the second Burdekin op shop in just over a year to close its doors permanently. Photo: Jacob Casha.
Lifeline has officially shut its Ayr store, becoming the second Burdekin op shop in just over a year to close its doors permanently.
The shop ceased trading on 14 August, announcing the closure through signage which read:
“To our customers, donors, volunteers and supporters, thank you for your loyalty and support over the years. It has been a privilege to serve the Ayr community.”
The reason for the closure remains unclear, with Lifeline contacted for clarity on the details of the decision.
The longstanding store has suffered the same fate as its charity counterpart, Salvos, which closed its Ayr store just over a year ago after three decades of operation.
The double-closure has raised eyebrows amid growing demand for second-hand goods across Australia.
A 2026 national reuse study found Australians reused around 390 million items in one year, saving households an estimated $2 billion.
The study found the reuse sector supports roughly 6,300 paid roles and 12,000 volunteer positions nationally.
The closures leave Vinnies as Ayr’s sole remaining major charity op shop.
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