The Aberfoyle Repair Café is a sustainable initiative designed to offer the local community a place to fix, mend and connect.

Supported by Sustainable Communities South Australia, Aberfoyle Repair Café opened in May this year through the support of an SA Power Networks Community Grant.  

The Repair Café concept began in the Netherlands in 2009 and has since grown to a global movement of over 1,400 repair cafes operating worldwide.  

Heather Stevens, Aberfoyle Repair Café Coordinator, says repair cafes support the community to divert items from landfill, share practical repair knowledge, and reduce our collective impact on the environment.  

“The repair cafe gives people the opportunity to get their household items fixed, instead of throwing them away and replacing them,” said Heather.  

“This not only saves items from going to landfill, but it also helps people save money from not having to buy new items, and it saves the energy that goes into manufacturing those items.”  

The repair café initiative also helps to build a great sense of community amongst the volunteers and visitors, providing a sense pride and purpose.  

“We are starting to see familiar faces from one event to the next, as people get something fixed, then come back the next time with something else to repair. 

“As well as getting something fixed, it can be really beneficial for building and enhancing social connections for the local residents.”  

Heather was able to recall two of the cafés most memorable repair moments so far.   

“We had a pram insert come in that became damaged after being washed in a washing machine, and our volunteers were able to patch and embroider with flowers, saving the owner $180 for a replacement one. 

“Another memorable item, was a slow cooker that someone’s husband brought in. 

“It was given to his wife by her father, who has since passed away, so it had great sentimental value to her, as it reminded her of her dad.” 

“He went away to buy the part needed, and brought it back on the same day, and our repair volunteer was able to complete the repair.”  

Below is a testimonial from Rusty, a volunteer at Aberfoyle Repair Café, who shares how the new initiative has impacted his life.  

Testimonial 

Originally I was looking for a "man shed" to go along to. As it happens the local ones mostly seemed to operate at hours which didn't suit me. I'm committed to Resthaven at certain times, to help care for my wife.  

Then along came the Repair Cafe. I thought I'd try it for a couple of visits. I now find I look forward to it. I love being able to help local folks with their appliance problems, even though it's not always successful.  

I do like repairing things, and enjoy the challenge, but more importantly I like the interaction with other volunteers and the visitors with their problems.  

Due to my wife's condition, I/we gradually lost contact with all our friends of many years...that was at Tea Tree Gully, then we moved "down south" to be nearer our kids, but as Valerie's condition worsened, and then her admission into Resthaven, I found myself more isolated.  

So as it happens the Repair Cafe has several facets for me. I enjoy the repair aspect, but also the interaction and friendly atmosphere.  

I do look forward to it each month. 

Rusty 

Volunteer, Aberfoyle Repair Café 

If you would like to visit, the repair café is located at Aberfoyle Community Centre, 1 Jessica Street, Aberfoyle Park, and is open every second Saturday of every month from 1pm – 4pm.  Read more at Aberfoyle Repair Cafe City of Onkaparinga