Way!

Repair Café The Gap turns 1 – still seeking a sparky!

Since our launch in March 2022, Repair Café The Gap’s workshop has popped up every month (except December) to help repair all manner of household items belonging to The Gap community. It’s entirely run by volunteers, who offer their time and skills to repair your consumer goods for free.

In the past year, over 280 items have been brought in for repair by around 200 community members - clothes, furniture, electrical appliances, bicycles, camping equipment, tools, mowers, toys – the list goes on! Almost 70% of these items were either repaired on the spot by our skilful volunteers, or their owners were advised of the next step - to buy parts and return, or visit a professional repairer. These results demonstrate the talents of our marvellous volunteers, and we are very grateful to them all!

But we could do more! Almost 60 percent of the items brought in are either electrical or electronic. This includes kitchen appliances, power tools, display and sound equipment, and toys. By law, any item over 50 volts must be inspected, tested and signed off by a licensed electrician. Our lone sparky Roger (who also volunteers at several other repair cafes around Brisbane) would really appreciate the support of another one or two electricians to lighten his load!

Why volunteer for the Repair Café? Here’s what their volunteers say:

Amanda saves the day by mending the Spidey-suit

“The fact that a few hours of our life can change someone else’s in a positive way is enough reason for me to be here at the RC. With every little fix, advice or recommendation we are moving one step closer in caring a bit more for our environment and each other. Movements like these bring the community together and makes us believe that a positive change is possible. “ ~ Sheryl, repair assistant and photographer.

“It’s the people, both the camaraderie of team members and our customers. Just helping someone out with something that is sentimental to them is the sweetest. Having a chat to our customers, hearing their stories while repairing an item. Learning new skills from other team members such as electrical is invaluable both for the team and personally.” ~ Ben, repairer of just about anything.

“Being a member of the RC team provides us with the opportunity to work within a group of positive minded, talented and skilled members who always have smiles on their faces. We feel that we are part of a team governed by good leadership.” ~ Amanda, sewing repairs

So, if you are, or know of, a licensed electrician who can diagnose and fix minor problems with household items, and would like to get involved, please get in touch! In return, you will get: the satisfaction of resurrecting seemingly dead appliances; the adoration of the owner whose item you save; the chance to collaborate and learn from other like-minded volunteers; new friends; free advertising for your business (if applicable); and free tea or coffee and tasty treats from the café kitchen!

Facebook: Repaircafethegap

Instagram: repaircafethegap

Email: thegaprepaircafe@gmail.com