I have had happy transactions with this bloke, on ebay and then with more recently with his shop. Film prices are very competitive with ebay and b&h, espec with ilford bulk loads, and he's local. (No affiliation, promise)
I haven't actually bought chemicals from him but he sells them.
https://www.thefilmbloke.com.au/
Also, as for Vanbar, i have bought chemicals from them obmver the past two years and haven't noticed anything out of date. I got a phone quote on xtol (interestibgly the best price i could find) and am planning on picking that up this weekend, will cast an eye over the goods and report back.
Also Michaels in Melbourne CBD still sells the essentials, D76, rodinal ( adox, from memory) and illford fixer and stop - for a small premium.
I buy local when I can. I do like supporting the brick and mortar shops when possible.
Enjoy getting back to film it's a lot of fun DIY.