Marie Beale and her fabulous team at the Ringwood Repair Cafe have just celebrated their eighth birthday.
Launched on 17 November 2018, the Ringwood group of volunteers is the second-oldest in Victoria and part of the Amsterdam-based international Repair Cafe network.
“Our wonderful crew of fixers covers a really wide variety of skills. We have retired helicopter engineers, volunteer firefighters, brilliant sewers, tinkerers, electronics experts, expert jewellers and more,” Ms Beale said.
Operating from 2pm to 4pm at the Station Street Ringwood Uniting Church on the third Saturday of each month, Marie and her dedicated crew have saved literally tonnes of repairable items from the dread of landfill.
“We’re doing more than just repairing household products so they can be used for a bit longer. In many cases, we’re preserving cherished items that have strong sentimental value.
“So don’t be shy. If you have something you’d like us to look at, bring it along. Everyone is welcome! Our last session for 2025 will be on 20 December. We’ll even have a cafe-quality coffee or hot chocolate ready for you,” Ms Beale said.
