Geoff and Terry with his newly repaired mouli blade By Hilary Stuchbery
THE worldwide Repair Café movement was started in 2007 by Martine Postma who had the first session in Amsterdam in 2009.
The Cafés teach people to see their possessions in a new light. Our landfills are full of vast amounts of good stuff with almost nothing wrong, which could get a new lease on life after a simple repair. It’s often easy and a lot of fun. If things can be used for longer, it saves money, reduces the volume of raw materials and energy needed to make new products and cuts CO2 emissions.
I first heard about it in 2019 and, with the e-waste problem growing, thought it was time for a similar initiative here in Wonthaggi.
THE worldwide Repair Café movement was started in 2007 by Martine Postma who had the first session in Amsterdam in 2009.
The Cafés teach people to see their possessions in a new light. Our landfills are full of vast amounts of good stuff with almost nothing wrong, which could get a new lease on life after a simple repair. It’s often easy and a lot of fun. If things can be used for longer, it saves money, reduces the volume of raw materials and energy needed to make new products and cuts CO2 emissions.
I first heard about it in 2019 and, with the e-waste problem growing, thought it was time for a similar initiative here in Wonthaggi.
The research was fun with a visit to the inspirational Southern Peninsula Repair Café at Rye Community House, followed by an information and brain-storming session at Mitchell House, when the name Fixit Café Wonthaggi was adopted.
At one time in my life I had experienced some very quiet solitary Sundays and I decided that a Sunday was a good day for this activity – not only to get gadgets fixed but also perhaps to help people chill out and connect with others in their community. With a complimentary coffee provided by our barista, Ash, and donated cakes, many connections are now made and fortified each month at our Fixit Café.
Glenn and Maryanne came from the beginning, before they had even moved to Wonthaggi, so that they could get to know people locally. They have been fantastic supporters with their electrical and cooking skills. Another fixer is Graeme who travels from Bena. We are treated to seeing clocks of all sorts and sizes brought in for him to work on. I look forward to his next visit on April 16.
Fixit Café is a joint activity between Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre and the Wonthaggi Men’s Shed, and the guys are inventive with their solutions. One Sunday Aletta brought in a small musical box minus a foot. In no time they had concocted a new one out of bits and bobs and painted it to look like the others.
Trevor from the Men’s Shed spent three weeks taking apart a rocking chair and rebuilding it. “It’s a lovely piece and was a pleasure to work on,” he said. Tanya had enjoyed 40 years of seeing her father using the chair and could now enjoy it herself for another 40 years.
At one time in my life I had experienced some very quiet solitary Sundays and I decided that a Sunday was a good day for this activity – not only to get gadgets fixed but also perhaps to help people chill out and connect with others in their community. With a complimentary coffee provided by our barista, Ash, and donated cakes, many connections are now made and fortified each month at our Fixit Café.
Glenn and Maryanne came from the beginning, before they had even moved to Wonthaggi, so that they could get to know people locally. They have been fantastic supporters with their electrical and cooking skills. Another fixer is Graeme who travels from Bena. We are treated to seeing clocks of all sorts and sizes brought in for him to work on. I look forward to his next visit on April 16.
Fixit Café is a joint activity between Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre and the Wonthaggi Men’s Shed, and the guys are inventive with their solutions. One Sunday Aletta brought in a small musical box minus a foot. In no time they had concocted a new one out of bits and bobs and painted it to look like the others.
Trevor from the Men’s Shed spent three weeks taking apart a rocking chair and rebuilding it. “It’s a lovely piece and was a pleasure to work on,” he said. Tanya had enjoyed 40 years of seeing her father using the chair and could now enjoy it herself for another 40 years.
Sewing fixers Mary and Sabah enjoy a chat between repair jobs. Recently Sabah, one of our sewing fixers, told me how much she enjoys the social and co-operative aspect of being there.
Given the Repair Café movement originated in Amsterdam, it’s appropriate that we have three Dutch members. Leo is part of the Men’s Shed, Mary does sewing and Aletta is a regular customer. Does that mean we’re now an international organisation?
There is no charge for repairs as it is offered in the spirit of the gift economy where we hope to share what we know and can do with our community. We do ask for a donation to help cover supplies and other costs. If the purchase of repair parts or materials is required, you may need to buy these and return another time, or pay for parts if they are available at the Fixit Café.
If you have nothing to repair, you can lend a hand with someone else’s repair job or just enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while you watch and learn.
We are always looking for people with “fixit” skills, especially electrical, electronic, mobile phone, computer (hardware or software), ceramic repairs etc. If you have skills to share and are willing to volunteer, get in contact with us and join the team.
The next Fixit Café Wonthaggi is on Sunday, April 16 from 11am-1pm. For information and bookings contact the Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre at Mitchell House on 5672 3731.
Given the Repair Café movement originated in Amsterdam, it’s appropriate that we have three Dutch members. Leo is part of the Men’s Shed, Mary does sewing and Aletta is a regular customer. Does that mean we’re now an international organisation?
There is no charge for repairs as it is offered in the spirit of the gift economy where we hope to share what we know and can do with our community. We do ask for a donation to help cover supplies and other costs. If the purchase of repair parts or materials is required, you may need to buy these and return another time, or pay for parts if they are available at the Fixit Café.
If you have nothing to repair, you can lend a hand with someone else’s repair job or just enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while you watch and learn.
We are always looking for people with “fixit” skills, especially electrical, electronic, mobile phone, computer (hardware or software), ceramic repairs etc. If you have skills to share and are willing to volunteer, get in contact with us and join the team.
The next Fixit Café Wonthaggi is on Sunday, April 16 from 11am-1pm. For information and bookings contact the Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre at Mitchell House on 5672 3731.