Anne Parisianne
In a world where an immediate replacement seems easier than repair, Donnybrook Repair Corner steps in to save our forgotten and broken items.
A community monthly event, the repair corner allows locals to curb waste, adopt repairing skills and foster a sense of community.
The event initiated by Helen Franks and the Olivine community was launched on March 2 and will continue on the first Saturday of every month.
Ms Franks said she was inspired to initiate this community mending work upon visiting a repair cafe.
“I was so taken by the whole structure and what it did,” she said. “I felt that it was something that we could do to have up here in an actual northern suburb.
Ms Franks said the skilled volunteer repairers will assess the broken items first to check if repair is possible.
The repairers are skilful in mending various objects, including garments, bicycles, small electrical items and computers.
The repair corner also serves as an educational platform where people can learn the art of repairing themselves by observing and learning from the volunteer repairer.
“It might even inspire them to go off and do a sewing class if they can see that it’s not difficult to turn up a ham or sew a seam.”
The event will be held on Shared Space, 995 Donnybrook Road.
Details: ow.ly/JbKK50QLg07
