Yucca-n’t believe it: Billabong announces shutdown

On Thursday, September 26, the closing down sale began, with customers lining up out the door to get their hands on new plants and say goodbye to the beloved nursery.

Billabong Garden Complex was a part of ConnectGV, and offered many local people living with a disability employment and training at the shop.

ConnectGV accounts administrator Sally Moseley has worked at Billabong Garden Complex for the past 14 years, and said it was a bittersweet ending.

“It’s sad, it’s the end of an era,” she said.

Ms Moseley said that after the announcement this week that it would be closing down, the community support had been great to see, especially on the first day of the sale.

“We haven’t stopped (all morning), it’s been amazing,” she said.

“Everyone’s coming in and giving us lots of great support. They’re sad, but people are understanding of just the way things are at the moment.”

ConnectGV chief executive Jacinta Russell said it was sad to say goodbye to such a special place.

“We’re obviously really sad about the decision because Billabong has been part of Shepparton and ConnectGV for a really long time, but things change, life changes and circumstances change,” she said.

“Our whole reason for being at ConnectGV is to provide disability support services, so we see it as a chapter is now closing after 22 years, but maybe there are better things on the horizon.”

While the retail nursery and shop will be closing down, customers can be assured that the other services at the site, including the Wholesale Nursery, Billabong Flowers, Billabong Rags, Billabong Lawns and Gardens and the Container Deposit Scheme, will all remain open.

Ms Russell said in a statement that she remained optimistic about the future changes of ConnectGV.

“Instead of a loss, this is recognised as an opportunity to reinvent the offerings available at the Numurkah Rd site, with the board of directors and executive management team currently considering ways and opportunities to align with activities the supported staff and participants will enjoy, benefit from and value, taking into consideration their needs and choices, and aligning with NDIS and the ConnectGV strategic goals,” she said.

None of the supported employees or NDIS participants will lose their jobs or their current programs through the process; however, the qualified staff working in the retail nursery and shop have been advised they may be made redundant. They will be offered opportunities across other parts of the organisation where possible.

The closing down sale will run until Friday, November 1.

The shutdown comes after the café at the site closed in April.