MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council has come to the aid of Rye Repair Cafe with a $10,000 climate action grant.
The volunteer-run service operates out of Rye Community House on the first Sunday of each month, offering help to anyone who has something to mend or repair.
By repairing household items, the group is taking on the war on waste one item at a time.
Manager of Rye Community House, Marg D’Arcy, said the Repair Cafe dwindled during the pandemic and needed a financial boost to get it back up and running.
“This grant has enabled us to establish a repair cafe alongside developing a philosophy and practice to educate our community about reducing waste and landfill,” she said.
“Our volunteers come together once a month to mend and fix household items. We had one customer bring in their late mum’s old Mixmaster for repair, and now whenever they use the Mixmaster they have a sense of their mum being around.
“It’s fantastic that we can help divert waste from landfill, and it’s heart-warming to see the added benefit of cross-generational learning between volunteers and community members.”
Cr Sarah Race said the repair cafe was “the perfect trifecta”. By reducing waste it’s a win for the environment, it’s a win for the community who don’t have to spend money on buying something new and a big win for the volunteers who can teach their skills to others and socialise with likeminded people.”
Grants from the shire’s community investment program helps community groups with projects that address a local need or provide a community benefit.
For details about repair cafes in Mornington, Hastings or Rye go to: mornpen.vic.gov.au/repaircafes
Details about the community investment program, including a free grant writing workshop on 14 September, go to: mornpen.vic.gov.au/grants
First published in the Soutern Peninsula News – 5 September 2023
