REDARC Electronics is proud to partner with the Remote OpShop Project, Australia’s largest network of community-led op shops supporting remote First Nations communities.
Founded nine years ago in a small Northern Territory town, the Remote OpShop Project has grown into a national movement, with more than 40 locally run op shops now operating across some of the most isolated parts of the country. These community-driven social enterprises provide affordable essentials such as clothing and household goods, while also creating jobs, building skills, and funding cultural initiatives including language camps and bush trips.
The Remote OpShop Project approached REDARC for support with their first dedicated vehicle — an Isuzu NPS 300 Mobile OpShop. Until now, the team relied on personal vehicles to reach remote communities.
REDARC Area Sales Manager for SA and NT, Kahlan Cester, worked closely with the Remote OpShop Project team to equip the vehicle with a complete off-grid power system. This system enables the team to operate independently, reliably, and sustainably wherever the road takes them.
“The Remote OpShop Project supports the development of op shops in Aboriginal communities throughout remote Australia,” a spokesperson shared. “These community-led social enterprises generate independent funding that is used to seed local startups, creative projects, and address local needs.”
This new partnership and the dedicated mobile op shop will significantly enhance the project’s ability to collect pre-loved goods — including larger items such as mattresses — from donors and redistribute them efficiently to remote communities across Northern Australia.
The setup includes:
- 450Ah of Lithium Batteries (3x LBAT12150-SB)
- 75A Manager Alpha Battery Management System (BMS12075-AU)
- 3000W Inverter (R-12-3000RS3)
- TVMS Prime (TVMS1280)
- 1200W of solar total – 6 x 200W fixed panels (SPRP1200B)
- Tow-Pro Elite (EBRH-ACCV3)
- BCDC Classic40 (BCDC1240D)
The installation of the off-grid power system was generously provided free of charge by REDNetwork member Tate Auto Electrics, who worked closely with the team to deliver a reliable and robust solution.
Quentin Merckle, Logistics Manager for the Remote OpShop Project, highlighted the importance of the partnership: “This partnership with REDARC has been really important to us. Because I spend so much time on the road, I need to be fully self-sufficient. When we head into the most remote parts of the country, it’s the power of REDARC that gives us peace of mind.”
From community events to isolated outstations, the fully powered 4WD Mobile OpShop delivers goods, support, and enterprise education directly to First Nations communities — helping to reduce living costs and create local opportunities.
To learn more about the Remote OpShop Project visit www.remoteopshopproject.org
Learn more about REDNetwork member Tate Auto Electrics here.
Check out the video to see how REDARC's support is powering the Remote OpShop Project below.
