Dulcie's Shop of Real Opportunity

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Sun 23 Sep 2018

In 2013 I was invited to the launch of , a new concept for fundraising in Adelaide.

I wouldn't normally write about a women's boutique vintage clothing store, as I have accumulated quite enough frocks over the years. However I do have a soft spot for felt and net hats, it was all in a good cause, and Dulcie the boutique bus is quite unique as vintage stores go.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. When columnist and (then) lemonade lady, and biscuit baker Monique Bowley invited me to the VIP launch of a bus, I was a little nonplussed. While I knew Monique as owner of a refreshment stall, I knew nothing of her branching out into public transport.



Never one to pass up the opportunity for a free lemonade, or to rub shoulders with Adelaide's finest, I hurried down to The Garden of Unearthly Delights for the launch of , and tried to hide myself amongst the passing performers while the hoi polloi mingled.

While Amanda Blair launched into the Launch, I couldn't resist contemplating the conundrum of the (then) Premier and Leader of the Opposition sitting together, but diametrically opposed to the Lord Mayor.



Although I had spoken harshly to Stephen Yarwood about the now demolished City Steam Biscuit Factory , I have found him to be a nice enough bloke. He even tweeted an ad for one of my articles , so all is forgiven.

Getting back on topic... is a joint project between charities Centacare and Hutt Street Centre , initiated by Amanda Blair with the help of Monique Bowley.



It's a mobile Op Shop selling sought after second hand, retro and vintage women's clothing and accessories. I'm not sure whether men will be catered for at some stage, but there was plenty of choice for women's clothing when I wandered through the bus. In the meantime there's plenty that will appeal to cross-dressers in the judiciary.

My magpie eyes were immediately drawn to a sensational sparkly Glo-mesh bag, but maybe the knitted stubbie cubbie might be more practical in summer? The best part is - all proceeds from benefit Adelaide's needy through the Hutt Street Centre.



The retro bus has been named after Dulcie Boag, a fantastically generous lady who has supported the Hutt Street Centre charity for more than 30 long years. Even while living at Elizabeth, Dulcie was happy to travel an hour each way on public transport to help her friends. Fortunately she lives closer to the Centre now, and devotes even more of her time to helping out.

Too often tireless charity workers go unnoticed except by the community that they support, so it's fantastic to see Dulcie get recognised in this way for her kindness and compassion. Dulcie's is a truly inspirational and selfless story.



has regularly been seen at The Garden of Unearthly Delights for the duration of the Adelaide Fringe Festival for the last few years. It also pops up regularly at many events in Adelaide, bringing a fresh collection of retro and vintage clothing and accessories.

You can Like Dulcie's Facebook page to keep up with the goss, and find out where this boutique bus can be seen next. It travels around Adelaide regularly with a constantly changing collection of secondhand clothing. There is a web page with information too.



Of course this project wasn't completed single-handedly by Amanda and Monique, there have been a bunch of special supporters - the Rotary Club of Campbelltown, Torrens Transit (very generous!), Dept of Transport, Cutler Brands, Zappia Carpets.

I'm not sure that Dulcie the Boutique Bus will ever be as big as Priscilla, but it sure is as bold. Take a look for yourself, and see if you can't covet something for your closet. You'll be helping the homeless in Adelaide through the Hutt Street Centre as well as yourself.

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!date 23/09/2018 -- 23/09/2018
%wnadelaide