Parra News June 8 2021

LOCAL NEWS
Search for new home
Important op-shop needs new location due to Sydney Metro construction
NICOLA BARTON
The clock is ticking for the Homicide
Victims Support Group (HVSG) to
relocate its ‘New Leaf’ op-shop,
with the not-for-profit ordered to vacate
to make way for Metro West construction.
The group, first established in 1993 by
parents of murder victims Anita Cobby
and Ebony Simpson, opened its Maquarie
Street op-shop in Janurary this year.
The purpose of the shop is to fund operations
of Grace’s Place, the first residential
trauma centre for children and families
impacted by homicide, which is currently
under construction in Doonside.
Expected to be completed by the end
of this year, Grace’s Place, named after
Anita Cobby’s mother Grace Lynch, will
be run by HVSG and provide critical
support and counselling services.
HVSG President Rob Taylor, whose son
Simon was fatally stabbed, knows first
hand the life changing impact the HVSG
has on victim’s families.
He says business has been booming
at the op-shop since opening, with the
money set to make a huge difference.
Rob Taylor says the op-shop has been a major success. Photo: Melissa Stevens.
But now, with a deadline to vacate by
June 30, he fears for the road ahead.
“It is very important that we can
continue with this business,” he said.
“It’s not only helping people clean out
their wardrobes but is helping our volunteers,
95 per cent of which are made up of
homicide victims’ families.
“Working in the shop is bringing them
back out, making an enormous difference
in so many lives.”
The group currently occupies 64
Macquarie Street, the historic circa 1842
Kia Ora also known as Houison’s Cottage
rent-free, thanks to the generosity of the
landlord.
Sydney Metro will drill 38 metres
underneath the site to make way for the
Parramatta Metro Station.
“We haven’t had any success, we just
don’t have the money to be competitive
with all the other relocating businesses
looking for new shop fronts,” Mr Taylor
said.
A Sydney Metro spokesperson said they
have the appropriate measures in place
to ensure the historic building is not
damaged during construction and said
they are working to assist the HVSG.
“Through the ongoing design and
development process, Sydney Metro is
committed to protecting heritage items
during construction,” the spokesperson
said.
“Sydney Metro has advised the group
via face to face meetings and numerous
phone calls that they are entitled to
apply for compensation from the Valuer
General.
“Sydney Metro recognises the importance
of the work this group does and will
continue to work with them to support
them through this process.”
The HVSG are calling for community
assistance to help them find its op-shop
a new home.
If you can help, please call 8833 8400.
parra news » Tuesday, June 8, 2021
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