GAWLER’S first Repair Café has been deemed a success by organisers and those who walked away with their items given a new lease on life.

Hosted by the Gawler Environment Centre earlier this month, the concept saw members of the public bring in items to be repaired by fellow community members with a knack for mending.

The event held an educational element too, with volunteers helping to pass on their skills so as attendees would be better equipped to fix their belongings into the future; with the ultimate goal of reducing landfill.

GEC co-ordinator Kathy Whitta said an estimated 41.1kgs of goods was diverted from landfill.

“Our skilled volunteers repaired cords on a sandwich press and an electric blanket, a broken chair, holes in jumpers, blocked vacuum cleaners, a trestle table, an electric typewriter and more,” she said.

“Alex, Kel and baby daughter Ayla came to Gawler Repair Cafe to see if they could get a family heirloom leadlight lamp fixed.

“Alex used it at as a night light when she was a child and called it the 'sweet dreams' lamp because of the pretty colours.

“Our volunteer electrician Shane was able to get it working, so Ayla will be able to use it as a night light too.”

The next Gawler Repair Café is scheduled for the morning of Saturday, November 21.