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Ipswich clothes swap spot brings people together

Tamara Sykes, Catherine Caling, Kaylee Lynch, June Lambourne and Patrick Williams at the OpSwap Shop.

An op shop with a twist is helping connect Ipswich people from all walks of life.

The OpSwap Shop opened recently at the Whole Body Wellness centre in Ipswich City Mall, above the Bendigo Bank.

The twist is rather than selling items, it uses a swap system where people can bring items in and exchange them for others.

Tamara Sykes runs Whole Body Wellness and said the swapping spot grew out of efforts to bring local women together.

“Last year I started a Facebook group called Ipswich Qld Village for Women to help local women connect,” she said.

“In my experience, and from feedback clients have given to me, it’s really hard these days for people to build a good support network.

“The Facebook group has been very successful in bringing people together and from that a friend suggested setting up a service where people could swap clothes they no longer wear for something they will, and that’s how it started.”

The OpSwap Shop is open 10am-2pm Monday to Friday and has a small range of clothes (women and men), handbags and shoes. There are several books which can be borrowed.

“It is mostly women’s clothing but we would happily accept more men’s clothes. We only have a small space so we can only take so much,” Tamara said.

Items for exchange must be in good condition. Some more expensive items incur a small cost, with any proceeds going back into the community.

Tamara said the swap shop fitted with her vision for the Whole Body Wellness centre to grow into an inclusive, safe space for the community.

The centre has been open about 12 months and through various practitioners offers massage, Reiki, counselling, kinesiology, self defence classes for women and Brazilian jiu jitsu.

It also has a quiet sitting space open to the public where people can relax, have a coffee and chat or read a book.

“We’re all about building an inclusive community and a safe space where anybody can come and be at ease,” she said.

A support group for LGBTQI teens and young adults has also begun at the centre.

Visit the centre in Ipswich City Mall or contact Tamara on 0416 051 509 for more information.

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