Daylesford volunteers have contacted The Advocate, upset about management, as well as donated goods being loaded onto trailers and taken to the Daylesford tip.

One woman, who asked not to be named, said she believed up to 14 loads of donations had been dumped.

"They reckon they're operating by the law but people don't want to donate stuff any more," she said.

"People love to scrounge through bric-a-brac and they are just spoiling it for everybody."

The woman said she had viewed her time as a volunteer as "therapy", and, like many others, had been happy to do whatever needed doing.

"We had a real friendship there but now we can't even have a cup of tea out the back.

"The volunteers are all resigning."

The woman said a washing machine and clothes dryer at the back of the shop, used to wash soiled clothes and toys, had been removed.

Another woman, who also asked not to be named, said the store would be forced to close its doors unless it could stop the exodus of volunteers.

Meanwhile, St Vincent de Paul Centres state manager Tony Thornton said a new paid manager, who would split her time between Daylesford and Kyneton, had been appointed two weeks ago.

Mr Thornton said work was being done to bring the Daylesford centre "up to certain standards" and to "refine merchandise up to modern retail standards".

While it was true about 14 loads had been taken to the tip, it was old stock that had been "hoarded" in the back storage area, he said.

"There was an OH&S issue - we had to have three fairly major clean-outs," he said.

"But it was certainly not primary donated product."

Mr Thornton said it was also true that the washing machine and dryer had been removed but, with the amount of A grade donations, there was no need to wash B grade donations which were packed and sent overseas.

"When there are changes like this there will always be a bit of resentment but we want to bring everyone along and hope we don't have any casualties," he said.

"Sales are up and the centre's going really well. There is a real buzz in the store."

Daylesford's St Vincent de Paul is open daily between 10am and 4pm.

Donations are welcomed.