Tell us about yourself! Recycletastic 189 is on the unceded land of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We’re a social initiative retail and community space. We also provide a platform for creating opportunities for artists, performers and creatives. Recycletastic 189 maintains a focus on sustainable art, political art, craftivism and slow fashion - in a collaborative, inclusive, safe, community setting. Recycletastic itself has existed for around 30 years. Together we (Deby and Alan) create upcycle art, jewellery and designs from preloved, discarded and found items. We’re passionate about repurposing and recreating narratives from familiar objects that have become devalued by time and over consumption. We love trawling through op shops, tip shops and the likes, finding treasures waiting to be reimagined and reloved. Tell us your background and your connection to the Inner West of Sydney We moved to the Inner West about 3 ½ years ago. After living on Yaegl land on the Far North Coast of NSW.

And now we have completely fallen in love with this incredible community.

We are blown away by the strength of this community.

After feeling powerless during the 2020 bushfires. Alan felt compelled to do something and headed over to Marrickville Metro with 3 milk crates and a hand written sign - with an aim of collecting groceries for the affected communities. One week later and with the support of this awesome community, 25 tonnes of donations were sent to help. It was through this collaboration that wonderful new connections were made and the inspiration to become more active in our community grew.

When you were starting out, what sort of collaborations did you seek, or where did you go to get info

We’re big believers in random connections, idealistic expectations and endless possibilities. One of these wonderful random connections was with Angie from The Salons (who we originally met through the bushfire milk crate donations). Her passion and positivity for community, art and creativity was instrumental in the milk crate bushfire relief collaboration and continued with the development of Recycletastic 189 in Enmore. Not long after opening Recycletastic 189, another inspirational and random connection was made with Ethan from Zenith Paltrow and the Heratics (who came in and busked one day). Ethan now has been coordinating and inspiring music and performance events in our event space. During the 2021 King St Carnival, Ethan brought together 15 live acts to play in the front window space. All artists volunteered and approx $3000 was raised and donated to Northern NSW flood relief organisations. Recently, Ethan coordinated an ENBY evening where Trans and Non Binary performers volunteered to raise funds for 'No Milk in My T'. We’ve been inspired by the wonderful connection and collaboration with Max,who started 'No Milk in My T'. Max originally started the program to crowd fund their own gender affirming surgery. Today - Max is now supporting other Inner West locals to access the same surgery. The most recent collaboration has been with Mouse, Brad and Alan from ‘The Hard Drugs’. A recently formed band with an awesome sound. Who have a passion for mentoring local and emerging musicians.

They’ve brought incredible positivity to Recycletastic 189 - providing a means for artists to come in and perform with a sound system to test their art on an audience.

A new collaboration is in planning with the wonderful Food not Bombs team, enabling an accessible Inner West food pantry storage space too.

Would having a collection of like-minded people available to 'run ideas by' be a game changer?

We have been supported by an amazing collective of locals, artists and creatives - who are all inspirational, passionate and amazing people. Without a doubt the best thing about Recycletastic 189 is how these awesome people and connections make the space a truly wonderful community - where anything might just be possible!

Having a network of creatives has been the most important part of our existence here in Enmore.

Our best ideas have come from connection and collaboration and to be able to grow this via the Inner West Creative Network is an exciting prospect.

Do you have any gigs or projects coming up?

There’s always something new happening at Recycletastic 189.

We’re always open to ideas for utilising the space with a PA available and a mixing deck donated by Lazybones.

Come and talk to us if you want to run a workshop, event or just chat and chill!

Come be part of the community!

Through the connections formed at Recycletastic 189 the possibilities for live performances are easily accessible.

Learn more about Recycletastic 189