By Laura Michell
Eighty-six new jobs have been created in Mernda, following the opening of the suburb’s first Coles supermarket.
The supermarket is the first store to open at the long-awaited Mernda Junction Shopping Centre, opening its doors last Wednesday.
Coles Mernda Junction store manager Joseph Zanca said 100 people are employed in the store overall, including three long-serving team members who have a combined service of 50 years.
For 35 new recruits, this is their first job.
Mr Zanca said Coles was partnering with local businesses, schools and community groups to support the community.
“We know that the community wants to support local businesses and we are proud to work with some of the best Aussie suppliers including Costa Mushrooms, which is based right here in Mernda,” he said.
“Costa Mushrooms are delivered within 24 hours of harvest – you can’t get much fresher than that. You can even smell the aroma of fresh mushrooms when they arrive.”
The store has provided Mernda Park Primary School and Mernda Junior Football Club with funding for sports gear.
The new supermarket has an in-store bakery, delicatessen, in-store butcher, and an expanded fresh produce area.
