It’s easy to lose track of time when wandering through Wentworth community shop Ruby’s Cargo. It’s a treat for all the senses – there’s the delicate aroma of hand-made soap mixes, the soft wool cardigans and the delicious food preserves prepared with care. Marina Hacquin took a trip to Wentworth to meet the community of consignees who contribute to its success. Pictures: Ben Gross
Marg Jackson says unlike chain stores, each and every item sold at Ruby’s Cargo has its own personal story.
The community shop is managed by a group of 10 passionate and committed volunteers, including Marg, who have been regrouping products created by locals to be sold to passerbys and tourists for more than 18 years.
And the store named after the town’s 111-year-old popular paddle steamer, Ruby, is going from strength to strength.
Around 60 “consignees” contribute to providing Ruby’s Cargo with artisan products, ranging from gifts for babies, to bunny rugs with a key criteria followed to ensure their high quality.
“Everyone works from home and we have about 50 men consignees who make things like leather belts and woodwork,” Marg explains.
“It’s important for the group that we have quality items to offer locals and visitors.
“You won’t find anything made in China here.”
Ruby’s Cargo was born in 2000 from the initiative of Barb O’Hara, who wanted to fill an empty shop in Darling Street.
She was quickly joined by a handful of local arty-crafty volunteers who together brought Ruby’s Cargo to life.
In 2003, the ever-expanding variety of products led the committee to move the shop to larger premises, located on Adams Street.
Committee member Edna Watts became involved while she was living on a sheep station, about 30 kilometres outside of Wentworth.
She says it’s more than a simple shop, Ruby’s Cargo is an outlet for passionate locals to showcase their skills while contributing to a community cause.
“Many people have got skills but they’re too old for the workforce and that’s a way for them to express their creativity and their skills,” Edna says.
“We’re actually busier than we ever were – who said we were retired?”
In spite of the time passed, volunteers did not lose sight of their core value of putting the community first.
“Volunteers come because they love being in the shop, we all love meeting people – locals and tourists,” Ms Jackson says.
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