When Vinnies opened at Colonnades Shopping Centre last year, working there was the ideal match for Amanda. “My family have always been the type to give what you can, how and where you can,” says Amanda.

Among the huge range of best buys, there’s also something more subtle and lasting being delivered by the Vinnies team. “Part of the role of myself and my Store Manager fill is that of a confidante, listening to everyone’s story,” Amanda says. These quiet conversations can be pivotal in helping people access the help they need. Whether that’s a blanket for someone sleeping rough, a meal to see them through, or a bus ticket to get them to a friend, Vinnies will always try to do what they can. As Amanda says, “a small gesture can mean the world to someone who has very little”.

While clothing is a huge part of the stock, Amanda says DVDs are a gamechanger for many people without access to streaming services. Then there are the puzzle pieces - items that have everyone guessing their purpose. But for Amanda, it’s being able to help people while also satisfying her love for reducing, re-using and recycling that gives her most satisfaction. “I’m a creative person with too many hobbies to list,” she admits, and knowing there’s so much waste in fashion, she finds it very satisfying to watch a pre-loved piece find a new home instead of going to landfill. She’s also noticed the trend for canny creatives searching out unusual fabrics to incorporate in unique new pieces.

Amanda’s secret tip for shoppers is to make a Thursday visit regularly. Thursdays are Concession Days, with fantastic discounts and late night trading to 7pm. Vinnies also has 50% markdowns in the first week of each month. Along with pre-loved clothing, you can also find new and ex-display stock from Vinnie’s generous corporate donors. “We aren’t limited to current trends or brands. With prices ranging from $1 to $300, you can let your imagination run free.”

Click here for more information on Vinnies at Colonnades.