In her four years of working there, she has enjoyed the feeling of being part of the community.

She says the place is the glue that keeps the town together.

"Life revolves around here -- we sell groceries, make take-away food, run the post office and banking, do the hairdressing and the kids all get off the school buses here in the afternoon," she said.

"Saturday morning is a real social gathering when people get their papers."

The Co-op, opened in 1977, is managed by seven volunteer directors.

One is farmer Alwyn Collins who fears it might not be sustainable with fewer people on farms as smaller properties are consolidated.

"It's tougher at the Co-op and the football club because there are fewer people around," he said.

Ms Wardius said last year's flood had brought out the community spirit.

"Our farm went under water and the morning of the flood, people came from everywhere and helped out, whether you asked for help or not.

"How people rally around in a crisis, that's a big thing that came out with the floods, The support was out there."