Events

During the Rise Manly winter festival, Op for Change will be transforming into a buzzing creative hub!

We'll have a special festival pop-up op shop outside the main store which will be bursting with pre-loved fashion and one-of-a-kind treasures, all supporting community causes.

We'll also be hosting a series of creative, community-led events over the 10 day festival celebrating sustainability, style and self-expression. You’ll be able to try your hand at creating upcycled jewellery, a drawing workshop, a styling session, Create + Connect community craft and more.

Everything is hands-on, low-waste and led by local makers and creatives. Whether you’re into thrifty fashion, DIY vibes or just keen to connect, there’ll be something for everyone.

Book All Tickets Here

 

SUNDAY 22 JUNE

Candle Upcycle Workshop with CandleXchange - SOLD OUT

Time: 3pm to 4pm

Join us for a hands-on, purpose-driven candle-making experience that blends creativity, sustainability and community impact.

At this 45-minute workshop, you will:

• Discover why most candle containers aren't recyclable and the impact this has on the environment.
• Learn about CandleXchange's circular model, including our Return & Swap option and UpCandle program that donates used containers (from any brand) to create new candles for local charities like the Northern Beaches Women's Shelter.
• Understand the power of circularity and conscious material choices in reducing waste and creating social value.
• Make an upcycled candle to take home and a candle for donation: choose a natural fragrance, place the wick, and pour your own upcycled soy wax candle — ready to brighten someone’s day.

What’s included:

• All candle-making materials provided
• Guided instruction
• Two candles: one to take home and one to pay forward to a local charity partner

Please note that you will need to return to collect your candle on another day as the candles will need time to set before being moved. 

If you’re got any good quality clean candle containers lurking at the back of your cupboards, please bring along to donate to the UpCandle program

Cost: $40 per person 

Book Tickets Here

MONDAY 23 JUNE

Create + Connect: Community Craft

Time: 11am to 1pm

Are you currently working on a craft project, or have one languishing in the cupboard? Come along to our Create + Connect community craft session and bring a current creative project to sit and connect with other crafters. Our session is designed to create an environment where shared creative learning and social connection takes place. The session will be facilitated by Jane Shine, an enthusiastic crafter who has experience across a range of crafts..

All portable art and craft projects are welcome and all materials are to be supplied by the participant. No formal instruction is provided, as this is a shared community session.

A dedicated craft enthusiast and Op for Change volunteer, Jane believes in the power of craft activities to bring people together. Creativity shared is both fun, inspirational and a powerful means to connect people.

Cost: FREE

Book Tickets Here

THURSDAY 26 JUNE

Op for Change x LocalKind Charity Art Show

Join us for a vibrant evening of art, community, and connection at the Charity Art Show, co-hosted with LocalKind. This special event will showcase a curated selection of artworks generously donated by local artists, all available for purchase through a silent auction. Every dollar raised will directly support LocalKind’s vital programs assisting vulnerable individuals across the Northern Beaches.

Meet the artists and enjoy an evening filled with inspiring art, delightful company, and delectable refreshments. Zing Fresh Catering will be providing complimentary artisanal nibbles, adding a flavourful touch to the night.

This is more than just an art show; it's a celebration of community spirit and generosity. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply looking to support a worthy cause, we welcome you to be part of this meaningful event. And of course if you happen to spot a few must-have purchases, we'll be open for shopping and browsing on the night.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, 26 June 2025

Time: 6pm

Location: Op for Change, 41 Sydney Road, Manly

Bookings: Free, but spaces are limited. Reserve your spot HERE

 

FRIDAY 27 JUNE

Candle Upcycle Workshop with CandleXchange

Time: 12pm to 1pm

Join us for a hands-on, purpose-driven candle-making experience that blends creativity, sustainability and community impact.

At this 45-minute workshop, you will:

• Discover why most candle containers aren't recyclable and the impact this has on the environment.
• Learn about CandleXchange's circular model, including our Return & Swap option and UpCandle program that donates used containers (from any brand) to create new candles for local charities like the Northern Beaches Women's Shelter.
• Understand the power of circularity and conscious material choices in reducing waste and creating social value.
• Make an upcycled candle to take home and a candle for donation: choose a natural fragrance, place the wick, and pour your own upcycled soy wax candle — ready to brighten someone’s day.

What’s included:

• All candle-making materials provided
• Guided instruction
• Two candles: one to take home and one to pay forward to a local charity partner
• Please note that you will need to return to collect your candle on another day as the candles will need time to set before being moved. 

If you’re got any good quality clean candle containers lurking at the back of your cupboards, please bring along to donate to the UpCandle program

Cost: $40 per person

Book Tickets Here

SATURDAY 28 JUNE

Learn to Draw with artist Toni Brown

Time: 11am to 12.30pm

Have you always wanted to learn to draw? Or perhaps you love to draw and you just don’t seem to find the time? 

Grab a friend and join us for a casual, fun workshop with artist Toni Brown, playing with loose lines and quirky op shop objects from our fabulous collection. Toni will have you drawing in no time, even if you’re an absolute beginner! 

Cost includes a sketchbook and drawing materials.

Toni Brown is a local art tutor and she’s taught hundreds of people to draw and find their own unique style. Drawing on location in a loose, expressive style is one of her favourite things to do. 

Visit Toni on instagram @tonibrownart or website www.artclasseswithtoni.com

Cost: $25

Book Tickets Here

 

SATURDAY 28 JUNE

The Scented Bar: Sip, Shop + Scent

From 3pm

Welcome to The Scented Bar — a quiet space that smells a little earthy, a little floral, maybe even a bit smoky. Grab a glass of something, take a seat, and let’s create a scent that’s all yours.

We'll talk. You’ll answer a few questions — nothing too serious, just enough to open the door to memories, moods, and moments that matter. And together, using only natural ingredients, we’ll mix a fragrance that holds something real.

This is about slowing down. Trusting your senses. Leaving with something you didn’t walk in with: a scent that feels like you.

Come as you are. Leave with your personalised story in a bottle.

Lucila Zakowicz is an Argentine-Australian olfactory artist and sensory practitioner whose work explores the intersections of scent, memory, and identity. Trained in textile design and aromatherapy, her practice evolved from the fashion industry into immersive, scent-based experiences that challenge traditional narratives of beauty and self.

Since 2014, Lucila has developed hundreds of natural blends, large-scale olfactory installations and participatory workshops. Her projects often merge scent with movement, sound, and storytelling — as seen in her collaborations with Argentinian photographer Maria Eugenia Solla and pianist Flores Babusci.

In 2024, she presented Body Nostalgia at Melbourne’s MPavilion, an immersive installation exploring scent and embodied memory. Through her platform, Atypical, she continues to create work that invites reflection, connection, and sensory presence.

Cost: $35 (includes 10ml roll-on fragrance)

Book Tickets Here

SUNDAY 29 JUNE

Sip, Shop + Style

Time: 4pm

Join us to close out the Rise festival at our popular Sip, Shop + Style event. Enjoy some champagne and shopping with our special guest, stylist Amanda Delaforce. Amanda has kindly donated her time to chat about all things styling, from tips geared to adapting to changes in lifestyle and body shape and how to shop for styles that suit you and fit within your budget. Amanda’s philosophy is that real style is not about what is fashionable but finding what makes you look and feel fabulous.

Initially from the UK, Amanda had a career in advertising and marketing, working in the UK, Europe and Australia. She moved into fashion working as a stylist with a Swedish designer, then Head Stylist at Myer, then with Bianca Spender. She now works freelance with a number of clients both locally, interstate and overseas.

Cost: free

Book Tickets Here