Programs
Moy-Yan Repair Café
Fix It – Don’t Toss It!
Save money – Help the planet – Build community
Do you have a broken household item that might still have plenty of life left in it?
Bring it along to the Moy-Yan Repair Café, where friendly local volunteers will help you investigate the problem and, where possible, repair it with you.
Instead of throwing something away and buying a replacement, you may be able to fix it, learn a useful new skill and keep another item out of landfill—all while enjoying a cuppa and a chat.
What Is a Repair Café?
A Repair Café is a free community event that brings together people with broken household items and volunteers who have practical repair skills.
The idea is to work on the repair together. Our volunteers will examine your item, help identify what may be wrong and guide you through the repair process wherever possible.
Repair Cafés are not simply a drop-off repair service. They are about sharing knowledge, learning practical skills and helping people feel more confident about repairing and maintaining their own belongings.
How It Works
Bring It In
Bring along a broken household item that you can safely carry into the venue.
If possible, please also bring any power cords, chargers, loose parts, instruction manuals or replacement pieces belonging to the item.
Fix It Together
A volunteer with suitable skills will examine the item and discuss what may be needed.
You will be encouraged to sit with the volunteer, ask questions and take part in the repair wherever it is safe and practical to do so.
Learn and Connect
The aim is not only to repair items but also to pass on useful knowledge and practical skills.
While you wait or work on your repair, enjoy a tea or coffee, meet other local people and share ideas in a friendly community environment.
Items You May Bring
Depending on the skills and volunteers available on the day, we may be able to assist with:
- Clothing and textiles requiring simple sewing or mending
- Small electrical appliances such as lamps, toasters and vacuum cleaners
- Bicycles needing minor adjustments or puncture repairs
- Small furniture and wooden items, including loose chair legs or small tables
- Toys and games
- Crockery and decorative household items
- Other small household items needing simple repairs
If you are unsure whether your item is suitable, please contact Moy-Yan Neighbourhood House before bringing it in.
Why Repair Instead of Replace?
Repairing and reusing our belongings can:
- Save money on replacement items
- Reduce the amount of waste going to landfill
- Conserve materials and resources
- Preserve valuable practical skills
- Help us appreciate and care for the things we own
- Bring people together through learning and sharing
Even when an item cannot be repaired, you may leave with a better understanding of what went wrong and whether a professional repairer could help.
Important Information
Repair assistance is provided free of charge by community volunteers.
Replacement parts or special materials are not generally supplied, and any required parts may need to be purchased by the item’s owner.
Repairs will depend on the item, the nature of the fault and the skills and equipment available on the day. For safety reasons, our volunteers may decide that an item cannot be repaired at the Repair Café.
We cannot guarantee that every item will be repairable or restored to full working condition.
Furniture Donations Welcome
Moy-Yan welcomes donations of suitable furniture that can be reused, repaired or given a new purpose.
Please contact us before delivering furniture, particularly large or heavy items, so we can confirm whether we have the space and facilities to accept it.
Volunteer With Us
Do you have practical skills that you would be happy to share?
We would love to hear from local electricians, sewers, bicycle repairers, woodworkers, mechanics, handy people and others who enjoy fixing things.
You do not need to know how to repair everything—just bring the skills you have and help someone learn something new.
Times, Dates & Venue
When: Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10.30am to 3.30 pm
Classes run during school term
Venue: ADRA Building, 57 Main Street, Garfield
Accessibility: Step-free access and accessible facilities.
Please let us know any support needs by email.
Contact & Enquiries
Have a question or ready to join?
Phone: 0428 372 686
Email: managermnhouse@gmail.com
We usually respond within 1–2 business days.
Prefer to talk in person? Visit us during office hours—see Locations & Hours for details.
Quick Enquiry Form