To celebrate the WD-40_® Repair Challenge 2026, here is your chance to Win one of 3 x $50 Bunnings vouchers

Extending the life of well-loved items

As more Australians are choosing to repair not replace, a renewed pride in practical skills is reshaping how we care for the things we own. From small household fixes to ambitious restorations, repair culture is gaining momentum as people look to save money, develop skills, reduce waste and extend the life of well-loved items.

To celebrate this shift, WD-40 Company has launched the Repair Challenge 2026, from March 1^st to April 18^th, inviting doers, makers, fixers and professionals alike to showcase the repairs that keep homes, tools and treasured belongings in circulation for longer. The Challenge is a global initiative that recognises projects of all sizes, proving that no repair is too small to make a difference.

"Repairing our well loved items is not only about saving money and working towards a more sustainable future, it's also about empowerment and self-expression," says Rosemary Murphy, Marketing Manager at WD-40 Company, Australia. "The Repair Challenge is the perfect opportunity to inspire Australians to share their journeys in extending the lifespan of their tools, worn down equipment, bicycles or just about anything else and keep them in circulation for longer."

Repair and maintenance are continually seen as both practical and empowering ways for households to push back against a culture of replacement. According to the latest circulatory gap report[1], global material use continues to rise, with only 6.9% of materials entering the global economy coming from reused or recycled sources.  The report highlights that consuming recycled products alone is not enough anymore. In response, repair is increasingly seen as a simple, hands on way individuals can make a difference.

Now in its fourth year, the WD-40 Repair Challenge has grown to support community-based repair initiatives, partnering with non-profit organisation Repair Cafe and, for 2026, The Australian Men's Shed Association (AMSA) and Knox Repair Café. This year the winning entry will not only receive $5000 in prize money but can direct an equal donation to a local community repair initiative.

"Volunteer led initiatives such as Repair Cafés and Men's Sheds provide welcoming spaces where people can learn practical skills, extend the life of their belongings and connect with others in their community," says Murphy.  

Martyn Leist, Partnership and Engagement Coordinator at Men's Shed says that initiatives that encourage people to repair, maintain and care for what they own are gaining renewed relevance.

"Across our membership we're seeing a growing awareness of environmental impact, with recycling and repair playing an increasingly important role," Leist says. "By holding repair days at our sheds, we create practical opportunities for community members to connect and share skills. The WD-40 Repair Challenge builds on that momentum, encouraging more Australians to value their items, and challenge the throw away mindset."

Dr Mark Glazebrook, Founding Director of Knox Repair Café says a big part of what they do is education. "We often see people assume something is broken, when in reality it's a simple fix, like a chain slipping off a bike," he says. "Once they understand how it works, that complexity disappears. Our goal is to make repair feel accessible, so anyone can have the confidence to try it."

In the 10 years since Australia's first Repair Café the movement has grown to around 112 Repair Cafes nationwide, with over 3000 operating worldwide. The AMSA supports more than 1200 Men's, Women's and Community Sheds and is recognised as one of Australia's largest male-based community development organisations.

"Repair Cafes are about far much more than repairing broken items," Dr Glazebrook adds. "They're places where community and sustainability come together. We place as much importance on social connection as we do on environmental outcomes. For many visitors, it's a welcoming space to meet others, share knowledge and feel part of something bigger. It's not uncommon to see the same faces returning, not just with items to repair but for the sense of connection."

It's this growing sense of community and empowerment that the Challenge seeks to celebrate. From quick fixes, to larger restorations, the Challenge is open to everyone across Australia, welcoming entries that showcase repairs of all sizes and celebrate the craftmanship that helps products last longer. Participants can submit DIY or restoration projects via WD-40 Repair Challenge

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For those not confident in their repair skills, Australia's Men's Sheds and Repair Cafes offer a space where you will find the tools, materials and expert guidance to repair anything, from furniture to electrical appliances. Any repairs undertaken at a community-based repair initiative can count as a competition entry.

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, handy person or a keen recycler, the WD-40 Repair Challenge invites you to join the movement towards a more responsible way of reducing waste by extending the life of your salvageable products.

For more information on how to enter the WD-40 Repair Challenge, visit Repair Challenge.