30 Apr Fix it, don’t ditch it: Why more Aussie families are choosing repair over replace
Before you throw out that broken toaster or wobbly chair, there’s a growing movement encouraging families to stop and fix instead. Across Australia, Repair Cafés and Men’s Sheds are helping people save money, reduce waste and learn practical skills — often for free.
The return of ‘make do and mend’
For years, replacing broken items has been easier than repairing them. But that mindset is shifting.
More Australians are rediscovering the value of fixing what they already own — from bikes and lamps to furniture and clothing. It’s not just about saving money (although that helps). It’s about reducing waste and feeling more confident tackling everyday problems.
Globally, only a small proportion of materials are reused or recycled, meaning most discarded items end up in landfill. Repairing even small things is a simple, practical way families can make a difference.
What is a Repair Café?
A Repair Café is a volunteer-run, pop-up workshop where people bring broken items and fix them with the help of skilled locals.
You can bring along:
- small appliances
- clothing and textiles
- bikes
- toys and household items
You don’t need any experience — the goal is to learn as you go. There are now around 112 Repair Cafés across Australia, part of a global push to reduce waste and share skills.
Men’s Sheds: more than you might expect
The Australian Men’s Shed Association supports more than 1,200 community sheds nationwide, making it one of Australia’s largest grassroots networks.
Despite the name, many sheds now welcome women, families and young people. Regular repair days offer a place to fix items, use tools and learn new skills — all while connecting with others.
Why repair matters for families
Repairing isn’t just practical — it’s powerful:
- Saves money: Fixing is often far cheaper than replacing
- Builds life skills: Kids learn how things work
- Reduces waste: Less going to landfill
Boosts confidence: Many “broken” items are simple fixes
Why don’t more people know about them?
Because they’re community-run, these groups rarely advertise widely. Many rely on word-of-mouth, local councils or community noticeboards — which means families often discover them by chance.
How to find one near you
- Search “Repair Café near me”
- Check your local council website
- Visit the Australian Men’s Shed Association website
- Look at local Facebook groups or libraries
Most run monthly or as pop-up events.
5 easy things to repair first yourself
Start small and build confidence:
- Tighten loose screws on chairs or tables
- Fix a bike chain or pump up tyres
- Sew a button or small tear
- Replace batteries or simple parts
- Glue broken toys or household items
