John “the Welshman” English is one of three carpenters ensconced at WRW. John planned and set up the functional workshop in the Turanga garage. With Russell’s help, he installed the workbenches, shelves and cupboards, all from recycled materials. The space and amenities are provided by Housing NSW. John is proud of the work he does and loves to discuss his work with interested locals. Satisfied customers speak of John’s attention to detail, the rustic quality of his pieces, the reliability of pieces built to be enjoyed and to endure.
On this particular Friday, John is working on an entertainment unit with a compartment designed to house 12-inch records. A once-rickety wooden stool has been made strong. I am shown shelves stacked neat and high with timber sheets, glass and laminex. There are drawers and drawers of handles, knobs, screws and nails.
“I’m very happy working here,” John said. “When Naomi first invited me to join the team, I was working at my stall at the [Redwater] Markets in Redfern Park. I said I’d be involved as long as there’s a cup of tea.”
“Lady Di” Bateup (the nicknames bear witness to a sense of fun and friendship) enjoys collecting useful items. Several times a week she ventures out in her van, usually with helper Daphne Spry, to scour the curbsides for discarded treasures. Her track record is impressive. Most of the goods at WRW have been sourced by Di – everything from kitchenware to garden utensils, lampshades to arm chairs. “One day soon I’ll need to fit racks to the roof of the van,” Di said. “That will make transporting some things much easier.”
Di works collaboratively with John and Russell (and now a third carpenter also called John) in the workshop. “I try to pick up things I think the boys will enjoy repairing or restoring,” Di said.
All members of the team have important roles to play. Liz “Mrs Sparkle” Chamberlain ensures that items for sale look their very best. Joyce Catanzariti enjoys relating to customers, listening to their stories and “helping in some way” to relieve the stress of isolation. Brigitta has only recently joined WRW and was drawn to work alongside “such an amazing team”. She arranges and presents the stock – shelves and tables of colourful and carefully selected goods.
Eve Davis is kept busy sanding and painting furniture. She is also sewing curtains. Di Ebeli is passionate about recycling and has been involved at WRW and Redwater Markets for about four years. This is Di’s last Friday at the workshop before embarking on a long holiday. She will be missed.
Proceeds are donated to The Factory Community Centre. The WRW is also able to recycle and pass on goods to benefit the wider community. “We have donated toys, scrap pieces of wood and materials to local childcare centres,” Naomi Ward said. “Worn towels and blankets have been donated to the Cat Protection Society in Enmore, and clothes forwarded to the Salvation Army in Waterloo.” The South Sydney Uniting Church has been a recipient of various items including used canvases for Saturday art classes. Books are often donated to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown.
