Items get a second life at the Repair Cafe

HAVE you ever loved something so much, that parting with it was unthinkable?

The teenage owner of a broken Tamagotchi – those egg-shaped virtual pets from the ‘90s – felt this way. Perhaps, like Bridie, you wanted to bring new life to old toys for expected grandchildren.

That’s where the Repair Cafe Surf Coast comes in.

It’s all about repairing things, together.

Once a month a group of skilled volunteers – a mechanic, teachers, electricians, an IT specialist, engineers, sewing experts and others – sit down with customers and jointly tackle the repair of broken and worn-out items. There’s even a Justice of the Peace who doubles up on duties and safety tests all electrical equipment.

Mike, an aerospace engineer, enjoys the hands-on work and problem solving – he fixed the Tamagotchi for a delighted young woman.

Rhys, an aeronautical engineer, feels strongly about helping to live more sustainably – he fixed Bridie’s opshop toys in readiness for further loving.

Lyn, a retired art and craft secondary teacher, 87, was hard at work repairing a ring that was struggling to hold on to its pearls, she then gave advice on repairs to the lining of a beautiful leather bag, and has also skilfully reconstructed a much loved family heirloom, a 100-year-old book that was falling to bits.

Rob wanted to help out but he didn’t feel he had a useful skill to pass on – so he went to You Tube and after some practice now expertly teaches others to sharpen their own secateurs.

Volunteers also produce a range of re-usable items such as shopping bags, face wipes and vegetable bags- all from recycled fabrics.

There is much laughter and great conversations taking place as loved items are repaired and people learn new skills over a cup of tea or coffee.

As each item is fixed, it is weighed and records kept to show how much waste the Repair Cafe prevented from going into landfill.

While the repairs are free, donations are appreciated.

The Repair Cafe takes place once a month on a Sunday, rotating between Aireys Inlet, Anglesea and Torquay.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like to take something for repair, head to the Repair Cafe Surf Coast on Facebook or email [email protected].