A YEAR on since forming in Bassendean, the Repair Cafe volunteers are looking to continue towards its goal of restoring a “repair culture” in 2019.
The cafe, based at 02 Cafe on Old Perth Road, provides an avenue to help combat a ‘throw-away society’ and encourage people to fix items that are broken rather than sending them to landfill.
Volunteers run monthly sessions on a Sunday, where there are electrical, textile, device help, bike and general repair stations for the community to seek help.
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READ NOWChair Sami Ayre said the cafe aimed to minimise waste, restore a repair culture and strengthen the local community.
“The volunteers engage the community in the repair by showing them how the item can be fixed and the community learn new skills in the process,” she said.
“We aim to contribute to the activation of Old Perth Road by basing ourselves in the main street, encouraging community participation and supporting local businesses and organisations.”
She said on average, about 40 items were fixed at each repair session.
“Over 90 per cent of the items that have been brought in have been successfully repaired and advice is being given for what is needed to repair or recycle the remainder of items,” she said.
“Additionally, a number of community members have used the Repair Cafe to gain knowledge and skills on fixing items they have at home.”
The next session will be held on February 24 from 9.30am to noon.
To become a volunteer, email repaircafebassendean@gmail.com.
For information, visit the Repair Cafe Bassendean Facebook page.