Fix It, Don’t Ditch It!

Do you often find yourself frustrated at having to throw a prized possession away that would have lived such a longer life if only you could afford that repair? Have you ever stumbled upon a kerbside collection item and realised it could still be of perfect use to someone else? Does the prospect of landfill overflowing at the hands of lazily discarded recyclables bother you? If so, Repair Café Stafford is the place for you!

In a nutshell, a Repair Café is a meeting place where people with broken household goods can seek out the support and solutions they need. The initiative is aimed at reducing landfill through repairing rather than replacing, as well as easing some stress on our wallets.

Recently, the first ever Repair Café Stafford opened its doors at The Community Place, 33 Teevan Street, Stafford. There were smiles—and nerves—all round as the event-organiser, Rebecca, swung open the doors to an influx of keen locals. Waiting patiently at their stations, groups of skilled fixers sat at the ready for any queries or broken goods sent their way. This time, there was a Peter ready for general DIY repairs, a Geri, Tahnee and Barbara waited with sewing machines at the ready for textile repairs, Peter S and John talked shop while waiting for IT software and hardware repairs, and Jon and Roy braved the heat under the gazebos at the bike repair station outside.

All fixers were volunteers who were willing to pass on their expertise and knowledge to others, as well as helping people find the joy in repairing. As Rebecca explained, ‘each station is surrounded by chairs so that those who come in to get something repaired can sit down, learn, and chat with their fixer. We know we can’t fix everything, but we can talk about what is wrong, what part is needed or why it can’t be fixed, and that conversation creates shared experiences, and connection as well as a new appreciation for the art of repair and recycling.’ The repairs at the Café are free and the volunteers give up their time to help the community. Where people show their appreciation by giving a donation, the money is used to cover operational costs.

NEED AN ITEM REPAIRED?

REPAIR CAFE STAFFORD CAN HELP, AND ONLY FOR A VOLUNTARY DONATION!

Repair Cafe Stafford operates a quarterly, local Repair Cafe to promote repair as an alternative to tossing things out. Local residents can bring their broken items to fix them on the spot with the help of volunteer repairers.

There is no charge for repairs but a donation to cover operating costs is encouraged. However, you must be able to carry the item in and carry it out again whether we are able to fix it or not.

NEXT WORKSHOP: 20 MAY

Times: 9:30am to 12:30am

Location: The Community Place, 33 Teevan Street, Stafford

For more information call 3857 1152 or visit www.thecommunityplace.com.au/repair-cafe-stafford

@repaircafestafford

Repair Café Stafford will be taking place quarterly, with the next one booked in for May 20 from 9.30am until 12.30pm. This time the repairs included bikes, toys, hats, clocks, lamps, wooden chairs, clothing, folding chairs, laptops and keyboards and more. The items that will be able to be repaired in May will depend on the volunteer fixers, but information will be made available before the next event. To find out as early as possible you can follow the Repair Café Stafford Facebook page or head to The Community Place website.

Repair Café’s are only ever as good as their volunteers— experts and supporters alike. So, if you are skilled at tinkering or would like to get more engaged with your community, be sure to reach out! For email enquiries contact enquiries@ thecommunityplace.com.au