I think this is your problem, in order to turn a profit from your job they want to charge you accordingly. I don't know what labour costs in Australia right now, but it does seem expensive. When I watch a UK based TV show called Wheeler Dealers that kind of work usually costs about 1000 pounds. But then again I guess it's usually not resto work to the same extent.
I would look for someone who is a specialist for restoration work personally and perhaps someone others in the club can recommend. I don't know what your like, but I'd be very fussy myself and would notice even small details. So if your like that in anyway I'd pay a bit extra for that.