AT its heart, next month’s Repair Fair in Port Macquarie is about reducing landfill by giving damaged items a new lease of life.
But, it’s actually a broader celebration of reuse, creativity, sustainability and learning practical skills, according to Rachel Bennett, Port Macquarie Hastings Council’s Innovation, Process and Compliance manager.
After an overwhelmingly positive response to the inaugural event last year, this year’s fair will be staged at the Port Macquarie Library on Sunday, 8 November.
So, were last year’s 1500 attendees more about saving money, preserving favourite items, or reducing landfill?
“For some who dropped by, it was about saving money,” Ms Bennett said.
“For others, it was about keeping a favourite item going. But, for many, it is about avoiding unnecessary waste.
“There was a strong sense that repairing is valuing what we already have.
“The repairers have the skills and knowledge to see the potential in an item that might otherwise be considered broken and no longer useful.”
Ms Bennett said the Repair Fair is about changing the mindset from ‘it’s broken, I’ll replace it’ to ‘can I repair it, reuse it or give it a new life?’.
“I think people are increasingly questioning the idea that everything is disposable,” Ms Bennett added.
“There’s a growing appreciation for quality, craftsmanship and making things that last.
“There is also a real satisfaction in being able to fix something yourself rather than having to replace it.”
Fair-goers can learn how to patch their favourite clothes, maintain a bicycle, repair fishing gear or a surfboard, or look after leather goods.
Places for the hands-on workshops, including the leather belt workshop, patching workshop, bicycle maintenance, permaculture and propagation workshops, are limited. Other demonstrations, including fishing gear and guitar repair, are drop-ins.
Along with a more extensive line-up of repairers, there will be more workshops, demonstrations, food, live music, market stalls and activities for all ages.
An ‘Eco Zone’ will showcase local sustainability initiatives, native gardening, food growing, conservation, and environmental education.
A Car Boot Sale will be part of the fair’s Garage Sale Trail in an adjacent car park.
All-day activities for kids will include recycled flag bag decorating, origami and a Seek & Find activity.
The council has developed a local Repair Directory to help residents find local repair businesses and services. Repairers can list their services on the council’s website.
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