The Kapunda Community Craft Shop, as it is now known, was originally formed by parents of the Kapunda Primary School at a Public Meeting held on 24 July 1976.  On the 9th August 1976, the shop was officially opened in premises owned by Faye Forrest Beauty Salon.  (This is now known as Hairway to Heaven)  The shop continued to trade until unfortunate circumstances arose and the doors closed on 4th August 1979.   

It wasn't until a member of the community Mrs Pam Reichelt felt the community needed a craft shop, that it was re-opened in the carpeted are of the building used by the Salvation Army in Kapunda.  The shop enabled local members to supply craft.  Mrs Reichelt operated the shop on a voluntary basis in late 1979, but yet again it was forced to close in June 1983.

Kapunda District Council had negotiations with the Craft Shop and it was allowed to rent part of the Thompson Building, and again was open for trading on 25 November 1983.  Mr Terry Hemmings (Minister for Local Government) was impressed with the beautiful display of crafts, and quoted that local communities were the mainstay of the State.

The Kapunda Community Craft Shop has been generously supported by a team of keen local volunteers since 1979.   Some members were supplying on loan, fixtures and furniture to get the shop operational. This occurred in 1983, which incidentally are still being used to this very day.  Even though some of those people are no longer able to work, (some have health issues and unfortunately some are no longer with us) their interests are still to "Keep that Shop going". 

The Volunteers that run the shop, although some of them have some health problems, feel they are being useful by operating this unique little shop. - "for the Community, at little costs to the Community".  They are proudly supporting their town in their own way and enjoy the opportunity to do so.  Unfortunately to the availability of Volunteers, some days it is forced to be closed, but every effort is made to ensure that it is open on a regular basis.

During the past 20 years, the members of the Kapunda Community Craft Shop have had much pleasure in donating their profits to many local organizations including: Kapunda Kindergarten, Kapunda Primary School, Kapunda High School, Kapunda High School Community Sporting Complex, Kapunda BMX Club, Kapunda Tourist Committee, Kapunda Show Society, Kapunda CWA, Kapunda Homes,  Kapunda - "Map the Miner" Project, Kapunda - Kidman Bust. Kapunda Scout and Guide Group, Kapunda Day Care Centre, The Lions Hill Street Playground, Kapunda Ladies Golf Open, Kapunda Main Street Committee, the Anti Cancer Foundation, Salvation Army, Royal Society for the Blind,  and the Kapunda Hospital Helipad Project. 

10 barrels, 10 roses, 11 replacement roses, bush and carpet roses and an irrigation system were purchased for Hill Street, Kapunda  and 9 Olympic Gold Roses and 2 replacement roses were purchased for Dutton Park Sporting Complex in Kapunda.

The Kapunda Community Craft Shop members feel very confident that they receive great enthusiasm and support from visitors who chat, sign The Visitors Book and purchase the majority of goods, many on their continued return visits from interstate and overseas,  and the locals who call in on a regular basis to purchase homemade jams, biscuits, and crafts. 

The shop is totally reliant on volunteers, so new volunteers are welcome, as is anyone interested in being a member - $10.00 a year to supply handicrafts, jams, biscuits etc for sale.   Please ask the volunteer at the shop for more information or phone  (08) 8566 2241  or  (08) 8566 3913.

We are very proud and offer Congratulations and a sincere Thank You - Nancy Nitschke - a quiet achiever, an extremely dedicated volunteer, and a financial member since the concept of the Kapunda Community Craft Shop was developed in 1976!