Second-hand bookstore and social enterprise RoseyRavelston has moved to Lawson-town. While the core of their business remains the same – donating 50% of their profits to refugee support and advocacy – the move has prompted adaptation and diversification, which has opened up new collaborations and opportunities for the business and the community. (Read our first article on RoseyRavelston here)
Key Points:
Social enterprise RoseyRavelston has moved into historic premises, ‘Lyttleton’, in Lawson.
They have embraced their new location, diversifying, collaborating and continuing to grow.
New events such as Locals Night and the Mini Markets provide opportunities for the social enterprise and community alike.
On the north side of the tracks in Lawson, where local horses used to snort and neigh and take their nightly rest, people now gather. In a cosy nook on a velveteen chair one woman admires her cake and says to another: “This is becoming a real community hub.” Behind them, there is an attractive display of orange and blue spined books. Next to them, the recent works of a local artist.
They rest their feet upon the ‘herringbone’ bricks of the original stable, but no longer can the clip clop of hoof be heard. No longer can the earthy scent of hay and horse be smelt, but rather, the curiously moreish mix of coffee and gnocchi.
This little scene represents yet another iteration in the story of these historical premises, known as ‘Lyttleton’, as well as the next iteration in the story of the (mostly) second-hand bookstore and social enterprise RoseyRavelston.
In the old stables of Lyttleton
The premises at 1 Badgerys Crescent were originally built in 1884 by John Geggie and named ‘Lyttleton’ after his wife’s maiden name, Lyttle. Functioning as a house, garden and business, it was the first store in Lawson as well as the original post office.
In the 1970s it was renamed ‘Badgerys Attic’ and became an antique shop, which it remained under various owners until it was bought and lovingly restored by the Carmichael-Parissi family in 2015. They turned the premises into an organic food and retail shop and atelier, ‘Lyttleton Stores Co-Operative’, thus reviving the original name “to link with its history and create a local alternative to corporate big business with space for connecting community,” said Erst Carmichael. In addition it included an Atelier that sold the work of local artisans and artists. It also ran workshops where people could learn skills for resilience and sustainability.
As for RoseyRavelston, the bookstore was established as an online venture in 2020 by owners Cath and Zac in an effort to combine their love of books with their determination to advocate for refugees.
Having previously worked as a social worker and coffee school trainer respectively in detention centres on Manus Island and Nauru, they had witnessed “appalling” conditions and decided to run their business as a social enterprise, giving 50% of their profits to refugee support.
Fresh produce, coffee and chats.
As the business grew, they moved their books into the co-working space at Nauti Studios, Hazelbrook, where they valued the co-working community and ease of collaboration. Then, when an opportunity arose for RoseyRavelston to share the current premises in Lawson with Lyttleton Stores Co-Operative, they excitedly jumped. “Coming here we were collaborating with Lyttleton, which was great because they had similar values,” said Cath. “It was such a good partnership.”
Unfortunately, Lyttleton Stores Co-Operative closed their retail space earlier this year, and RoseyRavelston was faced with the daunting and exciting prospect of expanding. Ultimately, the extra rent and extra space has resulted in extra opportunities for collaboration and community engagement. “Building on what Lyttleton had done here with the community was so important to us,” said Cath.
Bori enjoying a hot beverage while Cath stokes the fire.
In a nod to that commitment, RoseyRavelston have opened up half of their premises as a community space, with ethically sourced coffee/tea and locally made goodies available, comfy spots to sit, books to read and artworks to admire. The difference to your average coffee or food space is, you don’t actually have to buy anything. “There is a lack of community spaces in the world in general,” Zac said. “We wanted to create a space people can go and hang and not feel like they have to buy something.”
Cath added: “This is a place you can come to meet people, but we also want to make sure to have nooks for introverts or those wanting to sit alone. That’s really important to us, being inclusive. The garden space is dogs-on-leash friendly, and we really want to make it a safe space for LGBTQi+ and neuro-diverse communities.”
Andy and Antony Mann playing some tunes in the bookshop.
The success of the space is also a result of a collaboration between RoseyRavelston and gnocchi-maker Fi Kennedy of ‘Gnocked Up!,’ who moved the business from Newcastle this year. “It’s a simple one plus one equals three concept,” said Zac. “Working together helps to grow both businesses.”
Fi is equally positive about the new partnership. “There’s a lot of mental support in collaborating with people who share the same values as well as benefits to both businesses,” she said, then added, “It’s a bit weird but we like it – coffee, books and gnocchi!”
Left: Fi making her ‘even-nonnas-love-it’ gnocchi. Right: Cath at the coffee machine.
The partnership is just one way in which RoseyRavelston has adapted to new circumstances. On Thursdays from 3:30-6:30 they host ‘Locals Night’, teaming up with Farm it Forward and Earthrising Mushrooms to supply the community with local produce, while community members are invited to hang out, chat, listen to or play music.
“Bring a musical instrument to jam, or just sit and chat. Let’s all hang out and make use of this wonderful space,” said Cath. Similarly, on Sundays they hold ‘Mini Markets’ and invite local stallholders to sell their goods.
‘Locals Night’ at RoseyRavelston.
They have also turned part of the front cottage into a co-working space, in which a desk can be used for $19 a day. Social enterprises are invited to use this space to meet and host workshops at subsidised rates.
While diversifying has been part of the excitement of inhabiting the new premises, it has also been a response to the community. Zac and Cath are happy to be approached by various community groups wishing to hold their events there. “It’s great,” said Zac. “These events are often about issues we care deeply about but can’t always dedicate as much time to, so for them to utilise our space feels really good.”
Locals Night
The challenges of running a social enterprise have been met by RoseyRavelston’s enthusiasm and willingness to diversify, collaborate and grow. Alongside the changes, Zac assuredly declares that one thing will never change: “We will never do anything that’s not a social enterprise,” he said. “It’s the only way to run a business. One day we’d like to see a world where every business, small, medium, large is a social enterprise.”
Back at the cosy scene with the velveteen chair, the women are eating cake. They sit by a slow-combustion fire, which is occasionally stoked by Cath. Across from them, someone orders a coffee and Zac starts up the machine.
From the kitchen, servings of melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi emerge, and empty bowls are returned. It’s Thursday: ‘Locals Night.’ A hot pink ‘open’ sign above the old stable doors beckons in the regulars and newcomers alike. They buy fresh produce and gourmet mushrooms to the songs of Lawson musicians Antony and Andy Mann.
Drop in to RoseyRavelston on Local’s Night in this short video
Some stop and stay, placing their chairs among corridors of books, taking in the crystal tones of Andy’s voice folding layers upon his dad’s guitar work. There is an applause, the low hum of close conversations and the whirring of the milk steamer. A passerby remarks: “RoseyRavelston’s lit up like Christmas and doing a roaring trade.”
Indeed. You never know, a local horse might even pop by the old stables for a bit of the action.
Local pony Peggy Sue checking out the old stables. (Photo supplied)
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
Join the Planetary Health Centre this Sat 6 Dec for the last Skill Share Saturday of the year: Qigong at 9am, Seed Saving & Gardening Group at 10am, and Bushcare at 1.30pm. One perfect day with great company, great coffee and food, and great steps for living a healthy balanced life, while also contributing to the health of our planet for present and future generations. All ages welcome!
Registration links in profile and below.
Register for Qigong here: https://bit.ly/48wlHjD Register for Seed Saving & Gardening here: https://bit.ly/4prcRe7 Register for Bushcare here: https://bit.ly/4oAFDrz
We have a rare opportunity to learn about the newest and best possible ways to support family and community members struggling with mental health issues, at a free talk and afternoon tea provided by Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary at the Planetary Health Centre at 2pm this Saturday 29 Nov. Hear from Peter Joseph AM, Chair of the Black Dog Institute, and Professor Helen Christensen AO, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and former Executive Director and Chief Scientist at the Black Dog Institute. They`ll be in conversation with journalist Emma Rossi. Dr Christensen is a pioneer in using the internet to reach young people struggling with depression. Her digital mental health interventions are used by millions globally, delivering evidence-based therapy for depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. Her research uses data from smartphones and wearables – like movement, screen use, and sleep – to detect early signs of mental health issues. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
This Saturday Sherlie McMillan from Rotarians 4 Planetary Health will be running a workshop on How to use a sewing machine from 9am at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba. Learn how to set up a machine, service it, troubleshoot when it`s not sewing correctly, and learn some basic sewing skills.
Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/how-to-use-your-sewing-machine
NB. This class is a prerequisite for our very popular Fashion Upcycling classes held once a month.
We`re thrilled to announce that Professor Helen Christensen, a pioneer in using the internet to reach young people struggling with depression, will be joining the conversation with Peter Joseph AM from the Black Dog Institute and journalist Emma Rossi at the Planetary Health Centre at 2pm this Saturday 29 November. Helen was the Executive Director and Chief Scientist for the Black Dog Institute for 10 years and has now been elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. Her digital mental health interventions are used by millions globally, delivering evidence-based therapy for depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. Her research uses data from smartphones and wearables – like movement, screen use, and sleep – to detect early signs of mental health issues. This free event is being co-hosted by Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative. Afternoon tea will be provided. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
Human composting is increasingly being legalised around the world. Read about it in Katoomba Area Local News here (link in profile): https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/legalising-human-composting/
If you’d like to see this option available in NSW you can now sign a live petition to the NSW Parliament here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/43QIHbz
Thanks to everyone who contributed to deliver a fantastic Disaster Risk Awareness Expo and Family Day yesterday. @mark_greenhill_mayor opened the event at which we celebrated the 13th birthday of Betty the Asbestos Education House; @firecoat_au demonstrated and launched its range of fire retardant products that can help protect homes, gardens and even electricity poles; the Bushfire Retrofit Toolkit was launched; Santa arrived and delighted young and old; and @plantinspired99 and Action for Animals fed us all with a delicious plant-based sausage sizzle. The day was filled with talks, workshops, stalls and the sharing of a huge amount of expertise to keep us, and the other species we share our planet with, safe and healthy! @southkatoomba.rfb @nswses @fireandrescuensw @nswrfs @redcrossleura @redcrossau @shelter.building.design @firehalo.au @asbestosawareness @amelie_ecology @bbagsbluemtns @wireswildliferescue @handsheartfeet
Our marquee is up and we`re excited about our Expo and Family Day tomorrow (Sat 22 Nov). There`s something for everyone from a free sausage sizzle, plants from Santa and drumming and pollinator workshops, to sessions on keeping you and our community safe from extreme weather events and hazardous substances like mould and asbestos. Learn how intumescent paints can slow the spread of fire and pick up a sample pot; check out all our emergency service organisations; learn how to dispose of hazardous materials; paint a native orchid, make some seed balls or sew a boomerang bag to give as plastic-free Christmas presents this year; enjoy coffee and locally made sweets; and get tips on how to retrofit your home safely and beautifully to be prepared for future extreme weather events. View the full program and register here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
There are so many new and innovative ways of doing things, like the new cooking techniques being explored by Michael from Good Fat Pastry, and the new fire protection methods being launched at the Planetary Health Centre`s Expo and Family Day on Sat 22 Nov. Check out Michael’s recent presentation at the Food Security Fair in our video here: https://bit.ly/4pnXbIg (link in profile) and come along to taste his delicious carrot cake and pastries at the Expo on Saturday. Check out the program and register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
In 2006 Peter Joseph’s son Michael suicided after a 14-year episodic battle with mental illness. Peter is now the Chair of the Black Dog Institute which is working to achieve better outcomes for all those struggling with mental health issues. Journalist Emma Rossi will engage Peter in an intimate and moving conversation about a life of purpose and mental health advocacy. As a Rotary scholar Peter will also reflect on how Rotary helped shape his values and sense of purpose as a young man - and how those early lessons continue to guide his work today. This free event is being hosted by the Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary Club and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative on Saturday 29 November from 2-4pm at the Planetary Health Centre at 33-39 Acacia St Katoomba. Afternoon tea will be provided. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
Learn about intumescent fire retardant paint and a range of other strategies to prepare for extreme weather events, and to manage hazardous materials, at the upcoming Expo and Family Day at the Planetary Health Centre on Sat 22 Nov. You can register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J We checked out how intumescent paint works in this video.
When temperatures reach a certain point the intumescent paint begins to swell and expand, often up to 50 times its original thickness. It forms a thick, carbonaceous "char" that acts as an insulating barrier. This layer slows the rate at which heat reaches the structural elements and buys valuable time for people to safely exit a building during a fire. It makes the structure safer for firefighters and rescue teams. #intumescentpaint #fireretardant #bushfire @firecoat_au...
Mould, lead paint, asbestos, silica dust from engineered stone bench tops and a wide range of chemicals, are amongst some of the many hazardous substances entering our environment and negatively impacting our health. Asbestos is found in over 3000 products including textured paints, moulded garden pots, brake pads and clutch linings in older cars, floor and ceiling tiles, lino, fibro, roofing, pipes and gutters, hot water systems, backing for switchboards and insulation boards in air-conditioning ducts, insulation, sealants, fillers, caulking and adhesives, gaskets for industrial and lab equipment and more. We’ll have information to take away and Blue Mountains City Council and the Asbestos and Hazardous Materials Consultants Association (AHCA) will be running free workshops on how to identify and manage these hazardous substances at the Planetary Health Centre`s Disaster Risk Awareness Expo in Katoomba on Sat 22 Nov. Find out more and register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
Are you ready for the next bushfire, heatwave or flood? Why not take steps to prepare at the Planetary Health Centre`s Expo and Family Day on Sat 22 Nov. Award-winning Hempcrete designer Kirstie Wulf from @shelter.building.design will share 10 steps to build or renovate for sustainability and resilience; engineer Mark Liebman will share how you can build a green roof to reduce stormwater runoff and cool your building; Dr Agnieszka Wujeska-Klause will share research results on the most appropriate actions to lower heat in summer and help you use a thermal imaging camera to identify which surfaces retain the most heat; Frank Inzitari will introduce you to the @firehalo.au which can help reduce ember attack; and a team from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) will work with you to use the Bushfire Retrofit Toolkit to design your own personal bushfire plan. We`ll also be launching Firecoat`s new Bushfire Home Protection Kit. Learn more and register to attend here: https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
Belle Butler is a writer, musician and occasional photographer. She likes mix-and-matching these artforms and often explores the same themes through each of them. Her short fiction has been published in numerous Australian literary journals and she recently received a WestWords Fellowship and Mentorship with Delia Falconer for her novel manuscript, ‘River.’ Hopefully it will be published one day.
The Homes for Older Women (HOW) program is a successful community-based solution to the national housing crisis. Since launching in May last year, the Blue Mountains not-for-profit has secured accommodation for 47 older women facing housing insecurity and homelessness.
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