Repair Cafe Surf Coast opens doors for 2026

REPAIR Cafe Surf Coast will kick off its 2026 season this weekend, welcoming locals back to Aireys Inlet Community Hall for another year of repairing, reusing and reducing waste.

The volunteer-run initiative, which forms part of a global movement to curb unnecessary landfill, has been operating on the Surf Coast since 2017 and continues to attract strong community support.

That support was reflected in a significant achievement last year, with the cafe celebrating its 3,000th visitor.

Repair Cafe Surf Coast’s Kate Long said the milestone highlighted how far the project had come.

“We are so proud to have reached out 3,000th visitor,” she said. “The reputation of the Repair Cafe has spread far and wide.

“We never imagined when it first started with a handful of volunteers back in 2017 that it would grow to such a large and successful enterprise, all staffed by volunteers.”

The cafe’s impact over the past year has also been substantial, with its efforts helping to divert 1.91 tonnes of waste from landfill, the equivalent weight of a small car.

More than 600 people passed through the doors over the year, including those dropping off textiles and their recycling, with an average of 29 volunteers supporting each cafe opening.

Seven out of 10 items brought in for repair were successfully given a new lease on life. Throughout 2025, 505 items were repaired, with expert advice provided on a further 113 items, contributing to a combined success rate of 93 per cent.

“It is so satisfying to see the ever-growing monthly totals of items saved from landfill by our wonderful volunteers,” Long said.

“It is inspiring to work with such a wonderful crew of volunteers who will do their best to give broken items a new life.”

Repair Café Surf Coast fixes a wide range of items, from clothes and textiles to toys, bicycles and small household appliances. It also hosts workshops throughout the year.

“I love the wonderful atmosphere and community spirit at each Repair Cafe event,” Long said.

“I never cease to be amazed at the skills and generosity of our volunteers. They do a remarkable job.”

The cafe also operates as a collection hub for bottle tops, bread tags and textiles, and offers handmade knitted items created by volunteer sewists. A Kids’ Tinkering Zone allows children to safely explore how everyday objects work.

Repair Cafe Surf Coast operates at Aireys Inlet Community Hall, usually once a month from 10am to 1pm, with last repairs accepted at 12.30pm.

The 2026 season will begin this Sunday, February 1.

Repairs are free, with donations welcomed.

For more information, visit repaircafesurfcoast.tech or follow @RepairCafeSurfCoast on Facebook.