The Chatswood Sewing Centre has been in operating for over 40 years. Shane Davison has been working for the last 20 years and bought the business in 1999 after there had been a death in the previous owner's family. Shane and his wife work here, as well as 2 contractors that are employed to fix and maintain sewing machines.

Shane has had no formal training but learnt most of his skills on the job. However, he does have master technician certificate from one of the best sewing machine companies - Husqvarna Viking and has a sound knowledge of electronics, but says you wouldn't necessarily need it for this job.

Within his shop there are 50 sewing machines, horn cabinets, fabrics, haberdashery, needles and threads. There are many expensive sewing machines - with the top of the range costing up to $10 000. It is therefore important that these mechanical pieces be repaired by a professional. He gets about 30 to 40 domestic machines to repair each week.