General News
16 May, 2025
Repair Cafe in Port this weekend
VOLUNTEERS at the Port Fairy Repair Café have added knitting to their growing list of helpful ‘fixes’ for this weekend’s event.
The monthly repair café will be open this Saturday, May 17, from 10am until 12 noon at the Port Fairy Community House.
Community members are welcome to take along their broken, worn or ‘puzzling’ items that need some attention.
In addition to the usual team of volunteer fixers who will be ready to tackle everything from bikes to blenders, this month will feature a special opportunity for knitting and crochet enthusiasts.
Local crafter Hera Gibbs will offer her time and talents to help community members with all kinds of yarn-related challenges.
With over 65 years of experience in knitting and crochet, Hera is well-versed in everything from basic repairs to complex patterns.
“People often start a project with great enthusiasm but hit a wall,” Hera said.
“Maybe the pattern is confusing, or they’ve made a mistake they’re not sure how to fix.
“Sometimes it’s an older item with sentimental value, like a hand-knitted toy or a blanket, and it just needs a bit of care to bring it back to life. I love helping people find a way forward.”
Hera will be available throughout the morning to offer advice, hands-on help and demonstrations – whether you’re dealing with a dropped stitch, a hole in your favourite knee rug or just need some added encouragement to pick up the needles again.
Beyond wool and yarn, the Repair Café remains true to its core mission – to reduce waste, share skills and build connections within the community.
Volunteer fixers will be on hand tomorrow to assist with a wide variety of common household items.
These include bikes, mechanical and wooden objects, clothing repairs and small electrical appliances such as lamps, clock radios or kitchen gadgets.
The repair café provides a welcoming space where locals can not only get things fixed for free (donations are appreciated), but also learn from the repair process and meet others who care about sustainability and resourcefulness.
If you’ve never been before, the event is relaxed, friendly and open to everyone.
Visitors are encouraged to take along one or two items and enjoy a cuppa and a piece of cake while waiting their turn or watching others work.
Bookings can be made to secure a spot, or you can just turn up.
For more information email portfairyrepaircafe@gmail.com.
