How a volunteer run cafe is giving broken items new life
The not-for-profit group runs its monthly events from 9.30am to 11.30am.
People are invited to bring along broken or faulty household items such as bikes, clothes, furniture or technology devices and volunteer experts will help fix them, as well answer questions about how to fix items at home or even where to get the right parts.
Deputy co-ordinator and general repairer Bruce Galbraith, who has been volunteering with the Repair Cafe since he retired seven years ago, said the cafe drew between 15 to 20 visitors each month and had 10 to 15 volunteers who each brought their own area of expertise.
'We have the ladies doing textiles, both sewing, both machine sewing and hand sewing. Then we have guys doing electrical stuff, a couple of computer guys. We have a guy who can do bikes as they're needed,' Mr Galbraith said.
He said the main aim of their work was to keep things out of landfill.
'Reduce the amount of things going to landfill, and helping people repair things to keep them out of landfill; that is the main mantra,' Mr Galbraith said.
'We have the mantra that every successful repair we do equally keeps a kilo out of landfill.'
Mr Galbraith said he really enjoyed fixing items with a background and history.
'A lady told me that (her suitcase) had been her mother's in Singapore just before the Japanese invaded. Her mother had two hours to get out; it lasted through the war. Now her daughter is using it for family history again.' he said.
The Repair Cafe isn't just for old items. Fixing broken children's toys is also really popular.
'I fixed a scooter for a boy on Saturday, and he was so pleased he had his scooter that he could run around and ride it again. He was delighted,' he said. Sandra and Robert Gilbert with their granddaughter's repaired toy. Credit: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian
Mr Galbraith said the cafe was backed by the City of Vincent, which they greatly appreciated.
'But we also appreciate donations, which help us keep supplying a few things like glue,' he said.
The Repair Cafe started in North Perth more than seven years ago. Mr Galbraith said it was part of a global movement which started in Belgium about 18 years ago.
'We're all aware of each other ... There's around 3600 (repair Cafed) worldwide and about 55,000 volunteers.' he said.
'In Europe, they are now bringing in laws that make it compulsory that things can be repaired and manufacturers have to provide parts.' Paola Battaglia with her cuckoo clock. Credit: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian
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