Uniting to help fight cost of living challenge

As Central Coast families continue to feel the pinch of rising living costs, two local stores are stepping up to provide both affordable goods and charitable support to the community.

Bowerbird Recycling and Central Coast Antiques & Collectables have become unlikely heroes in the fight against financial hardship, offering quality secondhand items at prices that won’t break the bank whilst simultaneously supporting local charities.

“We’re seeing more families coming through our doors looking for affordable furniture and household items,” Mitchell Gordon from Central Coast Antiques said.

He said he had noticed an increase in customers since inflation began impacting household budgets.

“It’s not just about recycling anymore – we’re helping people stretch their dollars further,” he said.

Bowerbird Recycling operates as a not-for-profit, while Central Coast Antiques & Collectables functions as a social enterprise.

Both shops run on a model that benefits the entire community.

Excess stock is donated to local charitable organisations rather than ending up in landfill, creating a cycle of giving that extends far beyond their shop floors.

The timing couldn’t be more crucial.

With grocery prices up significantly and rental costs soaring across the Central Coast, many residents are being forced to make difficult choices about where to spend their money.

Secondhand shopping has shifted from being a lifestyle choice to a necessity for many families.

“People are discovering that pre-loved doesn’t mean poor quality,” Carmen Cooper from Bowerbird said.

“We’re seeing young families furnishing homes, and retirees finding unique pieces – all while supporting local people experiencing hardship.”

The Gosford-based shops work with several local organisations, ensuring donated items reach those most in need.

From clothing for job interviews to furniture for women fleeing domestic violence, their charitable partnerships address real community needs.

For Central Coast residents facing financial pressure, these recycling enterprises offer a practical solution that benefits everyone involved.

Customers save money, useful items avoid landfill, and local charities receive ongoing support – proving that sometimes the most effective community initiatives grow from the ground up.