To add to my own thread, here in Perth maybe I miss-read the situation.
While there are the generic "chain" franchise stores that shift boxes and know very little about them, there is also a robust selection of independent computer shops.
No they dont deal in retro, but they do deal in bespoke computer hardware, in both brick and morter shops, and online.
The most prominent actually specializes in Gaming PC's and has thrived for years.
https://www.ple.com.au/
They have several stores around Perth, but they're still an "Indie" just owning several shops. They're not owned by anyone else.
I've not stepped inside an actual store for years, but a friend at work has, and says it's excellent, with machines set up to play with, hardware in stock, and people who know what they're talking about behind the counter.