More than 200 locals have been hired at Bunnings Thomastown store since it opened in January.
The staff includes Mary Sherlock, Chris Pepa and Barb Foster, pictured pointing to their nearby homes, who say working in their own community is a joy.
Experts will give a free flooring workshop next Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm at the store.
‘‘Our team members are part of the community, we live and work here too and we enjoy having the opportunity to contribute to the local community,” manager Mick Parker says.
The members include many qualified trades people .
