[Originally published January 25 2022]
CHERIE Smirl runs the Out of Africa Gallery and Accommodation Suite in Port Albert, which also operates as an op-shop full of donated goods, with proceeds going to education projects in Tanzania.
Ms Smirl says the building has a perfect view of Port Albert on a good day.
“The building used to be the original Port Albert Post Office constructed in 1864 and decommissioned in 1975, so it’s fairly significant in the history of this area,” Ms Smirl said.
“The previous owners fitted this shop room out as my husband and I bought it six years ago for the purpose of selling pre-loved items to raise funds to educate children in Tanzania. The only way to beat the system is education.”
Ms Smirl said she first went to Tanzania nine years ago, where she heavily involved herself with one of the communities.
“I lived there for a month and after I came back, I realised that I could sell some stuff from my own home as a fundraiser,” she said.
“And that just grew and grew, and people were giving me things to sell.” Ms Smirl said that after carrying items around to various garage sales, she figured there must be a better way to do things.
“I thought why not set myself up somewhere?,” she said. “It took a while to find Port Albert, but when I did find it I could see it was absolutely perfect.
“What a great location, and we found this building which was number 13 – my lucky number!
“There’s so much beauty and serenity, it’s an idyllic location. When I came here, we didn’t have that many items, but thanks to the generosity of so many individuals now nearly everything is donated.
“People call in and say they read about us somewhere or someone told them about the place. “And they give me the most amazing stuff to sell.”
Ms Smirl said that some of the jewellery is beaded by the children she supports in Tanzania.
“I buy the jewellery from them and sell it here, they do fabulous colours,” she said.
“Beading is an important part of their culture.
“I go to Tanzania every year that I can, but obviously haven’t been back because of COVID.”
Ms Smirl will soon turn 70, but wants to continue giving back to the community.
“Having had a successful eatery business for six years, I never want that pressure of a work situation, and this location gives me the freedom that I can enjoy what I’m doing,” she said.
Out of Africa Gallery and Accommodation Suite can be found on 13 Wharf St in Port Albert and Cherie Smirl can be contacted to discuss donations at 0407 668 623.
