Blue Mountains News

Blue Mountains City Council CEO Dr Rosemary Dillon said the new service is an exciting addition to Council’s burgeoning circular economy and waste avoidance programs.

“Council is committed to reducing waste going to landfill, and we have an entire strategy dedicated to that goal. This program is one of many we’re running, to meet that goal and empower the community to do the same,” Dr Dillon said.

“One of the hurdles I’m sure many of us face, because I certainly do, is not having the skills and know-how to fix and mend things when they break. This new Repair Network is an elegant and effective solution to this problem, connecting locals with each other to bridge that gap, and keep waste out of landfill.

“It’s not only great for the environment, but it also saves money for residents. I encourage our community to come along to our upcoming Repair Network workshops.”

The Repair Network is a list of skilled residents who can repair items, from clothing to electronics and toys. Other residents will be able to contact these repairers and have their items repaired, rather than replacing and sending things to landfill.

The Network will also be attending events throughout the next 12 months, to bring their skills to people directly. These events will give residents the opportunity to bring their broken items along and have them repaired or learn how to make repairs themselves.

The first event will be held as part of the Blue Mountains Sustainability Festival, on Saturday 28 September.

Residents are invited to the first Repair Network event, which will feature visible mending – a technique for mending clothing that adds an element to give the clothing a face-lift and repair at the same time.

When: Saturday 28 September, 10am – 2pm 

Where: Blue Mountains Cultural Centre (next to the café), 30 Parke Street, Katoomba 

Cost: FREE – bring along a garment that needs mending and learn how to give it a new lease on life

In addition to these events, the Repair Network has also partnered with the Blue Mountains Planetary Health initiative for the monthly Fashion Upcycling days, held at the Planetary Health Precinct in Katoomba:bmpluriversity.org/22587-2/

Council has committed to reducing waste to landfill, with the Towards Zero Waste Strategy 2022-2031.?

This 10-year strategy focuses on the work done to date and provides a detailed action plan presenting clear and practical strategies for continuing to reduce waste to landfill and transition to a zero-waste city.?

Find out more about the Repair Network, upcoming events, and how to join as a repairer: here