The Repair Café was launched on Wednesday May 14, with Marrickville Mayor Jo Haylen in attendance. “Marrickville Council is proud to sponsor the Bower and this new development which is such a positive venture,” Cr Haylen said.
Bicycles in various states of disrepair were brought along to the launch. Bicycle mechanic Stu worked wonders with screwdrivers, spray lubricant and a spoke spanner. Bikes were repaired. Spare parts were salvaged and sorted. Patron-participants learned something valuable and useful.
Each Wednesday, from 1pm to 5pm, various experts are available at the café – electricians, IT experts, carpenters and general furniture repairers – to help make all possible repairs, free of charge. Tools and materials are also on hand. Volunteer Gavin Hull said: “People visiting the Repair Café are invited to bring along their broken items from home. Toasters, lamps, hair dryers, bikes, toys, crockery … anything that is broken and can more than likely be repaired is welcome.”
“The repair café concept started in the Netherlands and has been spreading across Europe and the USA, and is in line with the Bower’s objectives and mission,” said Centre Manager, Guido Verbist. “The Repair Café provides a free meeting place where members of the community can learn the art of repair in a collaborative setting, fostering a culture of creativity, repair and re-use.”
By promoting repairs, The Bower wants to help reduce mountains of waste. This is absolutely necessary, according to Mr Verbist. “We throw away piles of stuff. Even things with practically nothing wrong, which could easily be used again after a simple repair. Unfortunately, many people have forgotten that they can have things repaired.”
The Bower also hosts a range of workshops on topics such as furniture restoration, recycled art, chair upholstery, shabby chic, bookbinding and other educational topics. All activities are aimed at limiting the environmental impact of landfill, reusing secondhand materials and generating employment and training opportunities.
