The Bower Reuse and Repair Centre

This cluttered cottage in Marrickville is a trove of antique vases, gorgeous old timber doors, retro bicycles, Balinese hand carvings, and you’ll never be able to predict what else—it’s always changing! On the second Saturday of each month, their passionate staff hold practical ‘upcycling’ workshops in basic carpentry, furniture painting, upholstering, and more. In my opinion, the Bower’s Repair Cafe is their best initiative of all. Show up on a Wednesday between 1 pm and 4 pm and they’ll help you fix squeaky wheels, wobbly dials, rickety furniture, and whatever else you need help with—completely free of charge.