healthAbility Repair Café makes its mark in Whitehorse

We were delighted to host the first session of the healthAbility Repair Café – Whitehorse over the weekend on Saturday 12 August.

Despite the chilly weather, almost 90 community members came along, many with broken household items in tow, eager to see if their beloved possessions could be saved from landfill and given new life by our team of volunteer repairers.

For our first session we were lucky to have a team of expert repairers skilled in bike repairs, sewing, furniture repairs, wooden furniture/toy repairs and general gluing, who successfully fixed a range of treasured items including toys, clothing, bikes, a vacuum cleaner and a rare axe.

It was a great chance for the broader community to learn more about the positive impact Repair Cafés can have on the environment and community, and provided a relaxed and social space for attendees to enjoy a chat, a hot drink and some delicious baked goods (thanks Anna!).

While our group of repairers is still relatively small, Repair Café Manager Stewart Blair is confident the team of volunteers will grow over the coming months as word spreads about the Repair Café and the valuable services it provides.

“We're so pleased with the amazing turn-out for our first Repair Cafe. Over time we'll aim to recruit different types of repairers and emphasise what a valuable addition this is to the community. We're sure it will become a thriving meeting place where like-minded people can chat, share their skills and connect, creating not only a positive environmental impact, but a positive social impact as well.”

Delivered in partnership with Whitehorse City Council at the Strathdon House and Orchard Precinct in Forest Hill, it’s hoped the Repair Café will help to establish the precinct as an active community hub for Whitehorse residents, and complement the broad range of activities and programs already available.

Marisa Fiume, Coordinator of the Strathdon House and Orchard Precinct, said “We’re really excited to be hosting the healthAbility Repair Café at Strathdon House in Whitehorse. It is such a fitting addition to the services and programs we run here, and we look forward to seeing it grow and become a popular social activity for locals.”

Come along to our next Repair Café on Saturday 9 September, between 10am-2pm. Sessions are held on the second Saturday of each month, excluding January.

Visit healthAbility Repair Café – Whitehorse to find out more.

For updates and information about upcoming sessions you can also join our healthAbility Repair Café – Whitehorse Facebook group.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer repairer, visit the Volunteers and Student Placement page on our website.

The healthAbility Repair Café - Whitehorse is delivered in partnership with Whitehorse City Council and supported by the Rotary Club of Box Hill Central.