When Mel Burgess opened Op for Change in Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches three years ago, she was inspired to do so by the vision to take the humble building blocks of a traditional Op Shop and transform the concept into something much bigger than a place to resell used goods.
Op for Change is Mel’s dream successfully realised. In Part 2 of this Helping Hands documentary, we see that the popular social enterprise has become a staple in the Northern Beaches landscape, providing plentiful opportunities in and for the local community to be a part of the revolving doorway of generosity that the shop facilitates.
“Because people don’t have the experience walking alongside us, on Country, or in our daily lives ... there are misconceptions and misunderstandings out there” says Rhanee Lester, Adnyamathanha woman and researcher at the University of Adelaide.
In this Helping Hands panel discussion, Rhanee is joined by Brooke Prentis, Wakka Wakka woman and Education and Cultural Consultant, and Uncle David King, Gundungurra man and Indigenous Education Facilitator, and share their personal stories of family and culture, and bring clarity to understanding Aboriginal identity.
Keith Garner, Collett Smart and Nathan Brewer join host Laura Bennett to discuss the benefits of being part of a vibrant and life-giving community to both the community and the individuals.
Tell us about the things you or a Helping Hand in your local community are doing to make the world a better place and we'll share your story on the show.
(25 words or less and send a video or photo)
Suggest a Panel Discussion topic that you would like to hear discussed on Helping Hands.
We'll assemble a panel of experts to empower viewers to make the world a better place.