Refair Cafe

About this event

Refair Cafe is a free community repair session where volunteers with practical skills help neighbours fix the things they would otherwise throw away. Pull up a chair, enjoy a hot drink and learn how to give an everyday item a longer life.

Volunteers can help with clothing alterations and mending, bicycles, small household appliances, lamps, toys, wooden furniture and jewellery. Items that are unsafe to repair, such as gas appliances, cannot be accepted, and volunteers will explain why if your item falls into that category.

Program

• Doors open and registration - 10:00 am
• First repair sessions begin - 10:15 am
• Mini workshop: basic sewing and mending - 11:30 am
• Bicycle safety check clinic - 12:30 pm
• Last items accepted - 1:30 pm
• Close and tidy-up - 2:00 pm

Getting there

The Community Room is at the back of the Riverside Branch Library and is a short walk from the river path. Buses stop directly outside the library, and bicycle parking is available at the front entrance. If you are bringing a large or heavy item, parking is available behind the library, and volunteers can help carry it in.

Accessibility

• Step-free access and accessible toilets
• Seating available at every repair table
• Quiet space available for anyone who needs a break
• Volunteers can help carry items from the car park

What to bring

Bring the broken item along with any parts, chargers or instructions that go with it. If you can, take a photo of the fault or note when it started. Arrive early for the best chance of a repair slot, as sessions are offered on a first-come basis.

Volunteer with us

Many of our volunteers are retired tradespeople who enjoy passing on their skills. If you have a talent for fixing things, we would love to have you on the team. Call 311 to find out how to get involved.