The Idea

Dulcie’s Bus was formed in 2013 by Amanda Blair with assistance from her long time collaborator and friend Monique Bowley. Both women were driven by a desire to indulge their passion for vintage and secondhand clothing, reduce landfill and raise much needed funds for Hutt Street Centre and Centacare, two organisations who support people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage. 100% of the proceeds were split between the two organisations.

They wanted to do things differently, hence the concept of the bus, believed to be the first of its kind in Australia if not the world. Dulcie’s Bus, carrying some of the best vintage and secondhand gear around, was purpose built to travel to events and pop-ups all over South Australia. Dulcie’s also carries a message that homelessness and disadvantage can happen to anybody. Bad luck doesn’t discriminate.

The shop has evolved and the focus is now on sustainability.

The op shop and second-hand community Dulcie’s has joined allows us to expand our vision, all about re-using, recycling, repairing and reselling beautiful vintage pieces once loved by the grand Dames of Adelaide. – all whilst raising funds for community programs. It’s not shopping, it’s philanthropy. 

Dulcie was named after Hutt Street Centre’s op-shop’s Dulcie Boag who has notched up an incredible 40 years of volunteer service. She’s pictured below with Amanda on our opening night, February 2013.

Our online bus-shop is a way for people to get onboard when you don’t have a bus-stop near you….

The Products

Our curated collection has been amassed over the past 7 years from many sources including the wardrobes of some of Adelaide’s most fashionable dames. We’re often privy to the story behind the frock - first ballgown, a dress worn to a son’s wedding, a fancy jacket purchased for a university graduation, a smock made by a grandmother in vintage cotton. We delight in being able to hand these stories on wherever possible and sometimes we pass a photo of the new owner to the old, proof their precious piece lives on and is loved. Every garment is laundered and repaired (if required) before it makes it into the collection so you’re guaranteed a quality garment.

We repair, reuse and repurpose wherever possible and are always happy to take donations.