Sifting through racks of clothes in the lobby of a public housing tower in Collingwood, Wurundjeri man David Arnold is in the market for a winter coat.He’s not a resident at the estate but says the free op shop operating in the tower is open to anyone in need and the people there are always happy to see him.— everyone is welcome,” he says. “And I’m very grateful. It's coming into winter now and if you need some warm clothes you can come along here and have a look.
“People pop in and grab clothes for free, which is amazing. It’s more than clothes; it’s making a connection with the community.”Resident Harley Augustine lives in the Collingwood high-rise with her two children. She says she has been both a donor and a recipient at the clothes library. “For me, I’m big with culture, so I love seeing other cultures wear my culture piece, which is amazing.”Abby Dinham
The clothes library is helping create a sense of community at a time when the rising cost of living has many reaching out for support.