Since mid-2023, the Marino Repair Cafe has been happily buzzing away at our temporary venue, the Seacliff Uniting Church Hall on Wheatland Street. This smooth transition was all thanks to the fantastic support we’ve received from the Seacliff Uniting Church community.

Our amazing repair volunteers continue to be the heart and soul of the cafe. Their dedication is truly inspiring, and the positive feedback we receive from attendees is incredibly rewarding. Just look at our Facebook page ! After our January event, a thrilled couple posted about Joe, one of our electrical wizards, who brought their 30-year-old coffee pot back to life. They’re now enjoying delicious hot coffee once again.

Our darning and knitting table has also been a quiet source of joy, offering folks tips on mending beloved woollens and even introducing a young person to the joys of knitting last month. The cafe’s reach extends beyond repairs too! One of our volunteers was recently invited to share their expertise on gardening tool maintenance at a City of Holdfast Library event.

This year, we’re setting our sights on attracting more families. We recently placed an article in the Seacliff Primary School newsletter, and we’re planning a special kids’ repair cafe later in the year. Imagine bikes and scooters getting a thorough check-up while their young owners learn valuable maintenance skills!

Our current team of volunteers tackles a wide range of repairs, from electrical items and general/wood goods to tool sharpening, clothing, and bikes. However, we’re always looking to expand our skillset.

If you’re handy with jewellery or electronics, we’d love to hear from you! Feel free to contact Mary at 0405 605 867 or leave a message on our Facebook page.

Let’s keep fixing, reusing, and building a stronger community together!