Edendale’s new Repair Café helps keep household items out of landfill

Published on 15 July 2025

Nillumbik residents can save broken household items from landfill and pick up handy repair skills at the new Edendale Repair Café, held monthly at Edendale Community Environment Farm in Eltham.

Launched in May, the Café runs on the third Saturday of each month from 10am–12pm and is led by a team of dedicated volunteers.

Nillumbik Mayor John Dumaresq said the initiative was driven by strong community support, with a recent Council survey receiving more than 300 responses backing the idea of a local Repair Café.

“This initiative aligns with Council’s Climate Action Plan 2022–2032 and circular economy goals by reducing waste, encouraging behaviour change, and supporting community-led action,” Cr Dumaresq said.

“Repair cafés help keep valuable items out of landfill, connect the community and preserve practical repair skills.”

From toys and tools to clothing and garden gear, participants can bring one item in need of repair and sit with a volunteer to learn how to fix it together.

Repairs are free as the repairers volunteer their time. Donations are appreciated to help pay for supplies, bring a gold coin or tap your card at the front desk on the day.

If the item can't be repaired by our volunteers, they will provide options for professional repairs or information as to how to recycle or dispose of the item. 

The free event complements the Nillumbik Repair Café held on the second Saturday of each month at the Hurstbridge Community Hub.

The Edendale Repair Café will run monthly until November at the Mummery Education Building, Edendale Farm, 30 Gastons Road, Eltham.

If you’d like to volunteer contact Edendale Farm to learn more.

For more details visit edendale.vic.gov.au/repair-cafe