Shed for sharing, repairing celebrates second birthday

COMMUNITY-led circular economy initiative the Bendigo Share and Repair Shed has just completed its second year of operation, and has gone from strength to strength.

Since its launch in July 2023, the shed has diverted more than 52 tonnes of waste from landfill, engaged more than 5000 participants, and logged over 10,000 volunteer hours.

And organisers have even more plans in the pipeline.

The shed was established with support from $59,000 in funding from Sustainability Victoria’s Circular Economy Communities Fund, and since then has grown into a vibrant local hub for repair, reuse and sustainability.

It began as the Bendigo Repair Cafe in 2017, and has since expanded its offerings to include a tool library, a Food is Free table, workshops on repair, reuse and upcycling, and ‘The Useful Bin’ – a treasure trove of items recycled for creative use including jars for jam, craft materials for children, and stationery for schools.

Most recently, the shed established the Remakery – an eco-conscious boutique featuring handmade goods crafted from upcycled materials by local textile artists and dressmakers.

“Sustainability Victoria’s funding has been a catalyst for us,” shed co-convenor Elsie L’Huillier said.

“The grant gave us some real momentum and, with strong support from the founders of the Repair Cafe and the City of Greater Bendigo, the shed has become a central part of the community.”

Sustainability Victoria CEO Matt Genever said the shed demonstrates what is possible when the community works together.

“The Bendigo Share and Repair Shed is to be commended for its leadership in reducing waste, building community resilience, reducing environmental impact, and building an inclusive space where sustainability is accessible to all,” he said.

The shed is one of 60 initiatives supported by the Circular Economy Communities Fund, which has invested $5.1 million in pioneering Victorian projects since 2021.

“The fund was the first of its kind,” Mr Genever said. “There were no templates, just a bold vision to empower communities to lead waste reduction efforts – and it worked.

“Together, funded groups have diverted more than 3140 tonnes of waste, formed 346 new partnerships, and contributed over 133,000 volunteer hours.

“It’s a fantastic outcome.”

Looking ahead, the Bendigo Share and Repair Shed team is preparing to launch a ‘Growing Your Own’ program to expand community gardening, alongside a new plant-based food area aimed at reducing food waste.

A five-year plan is also underway to establish similar sheds in surrounding suburbs, with a focus on engaging younger volunteers.

The shed is at 120-126 Garsed Street and is open every Thursday and Saturday, welcoming people who want to borrow tools, fix broken items, learn new skills, or simply connect with their community.