Repair Café

Upcoming dates

September Repair Café:

Repair Café is a free, Council-organised meet-up where locals can bring broken household items for volunteers to fix. It helps to keep items in use longer and out of landfill, while strengthening community connections.

WHAT IS AVAILABLE AT THIS REPAIR CAFE?

  • Gadgets repair
  • Textiles and Clothing - must be clean and freshly laundered
  • Knife Sharpening
  • Bike Repair
  • Toys
  • Electronics - no toasters/microwaves/whitegoods
  • Tag and Test service is available
  • Wood items including small pieces of furniture
  • Computers and phone repair and diagnostic

NOTE: The Repair Cafe does not accept:

  • Alterations to clothing
  • Cosmetic restoration work (such as sanding/polishing)

NOTE 2: For computer and phone repairs

We accept:

  • All makes and models.
  • Phones and tablets: Apple iOS and Android setup, storage, updates, backups
  • Computers not starting, running slow, or crashing.
  • Windows, macOS and Linux: updates, settings, cleanup, malware checks
  • Laptop and desktop hardware checks (drive health, memory, battery, fan/dust cleaning)
  • Hardware installs (RAM, SSD)
  • Home internet and Wi-Fi: connection questions and upgrade advice
  • Printers, scanners, smart TVs and streaming devices
  • Email and account access, passwords and password managers
  • Backups, transferring data to a new device, and questions about safely disposing of old ones
  • Scam and security awareness, plus general "how do I…" questions

Visitors bringing a computer or Phone to Repair Cafe should:

  • Bring the device, its charger, and any necessary passwords or PINs.
  • Back up anything irreplaceable beforehand as data recovery cannot be guaranteed.
  • Bring your own upgrade parts (RAM, SSD) if you want one fitted as Repair Café does not stock parts

Repair Café offers a 30min repair slot to all visitors. Issues that cannot be resolved within this time will be provided with a clear explanation of what's wrong and next steps.

Repair Café events are staffed by volunteer repairers, and therefore we cannot guarantee that we will be able to repair all items. Please bring your item in for an assessment to find out if it can be repaired.

Learn to Repair

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Frequently asked questions

  • The Repair Café operates on a first come, first served basis. Bookings cannot be made prior to events.
  • On arrival, you’ll be greeted by a volunteer who will ask you to complete a form to explain what is wrong with your item.
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  • A volunteer will then provide you with a time slot to visit the appropriate repair station. If your allocated time slot is later in the day, you might choose to wait or come back at your allocated time. If you can be seen sooner, someone will contact you.
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  • At your allocated time, the repairer will examine your item and start working on the repair.
  • If your item can’t be repaired, volunteers will do their best to give you advice on alternative options.

The Repair Café is led by volunteers for the community, and we are always looking for more! Sign up using the link below if you have:

  • Repair skills for any kind of household item, be it shoes, woodwork, gadgets, sewing, jewellery, bikes, and more!
  • A desire to learn how to repair or gain more confidence in your skills!
  • No repair skills or desire to repair what-so-ever, but you're interested in being a support person on the day!

To register your interest, please complete the online form and choose "Repair Café"

Items will only be accepted for assessment if they can be carried to the Repair Café by one person. The following items are not accepted:

  • White goods and other large bulky items
  • Toasters, kettles, monitors, TVs
  • Gold chains, rings, gems that need to be reset
  • Watches

Whilst our volunteer repairers will do their best to repair everything that is brought to them, they may not have the skills, experience or materials available to complete all repairs, therefore we cannot guarantee that all items will be able to be repaired.

If we can’t fix your item, you’ll need to take it away with you. You can't donate or leave items at the Repair Café, even if they are in working condition.

If an item can be opened up (for example if it has screws or other fasteners visible on the outside), there's a good chance the repairers will be able to determine what is wrong with it and assess if it can be repaired.

Some electrical items are manufactured in a way that prohibits them being opened, which means that our volunteers may not be able to open them for assessment.

We do not encourage the opening of electrical items yourself, unless you are qualified to do so. If you are not sure if your item can be repaired, bring it in for assessment.


To learn more about Waverley's Repair Café, email connected@waverley.nsw.gov.au or call 9083 8916.

Discover how this service can help a community by watching the below video.


Proudly sponsored by

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