Host Dean Ipaviz leads a team of highly skilled craftspeople, who together come to the rescue of treasured possessions to be returned to their former glory on The Repair Shop Australia, which premieres Tuesdays at 8.30pm from May 3 on Foxtel LifeStyle or On Demand.
Everybody has something that means too much to be thrown away, and the Repair Shop team not only preserves and restores these items, but also the memories they hold. From family heirlooms to loved ones’ precious items, they’re brought back to life, repairing the connection to family and link to history, bringing past and future generations together.
Host Dean Ipaviz, a responsible builder and sustainability expert leads this dream team of repairers:
Aaron Douglas Wales– Leather craftsmen. Working in leather for over 10 years, Aaron has always enjoyed all things ‘old world’, from blacksmithing and saddle making and runs his own workshop, repairs leather items, and sells his handmade leather goods.
Andrew Markerink– Horologist. Clockmaking has been in the family since the 18th Century and Andrew’s business has primarily been focused on conservation of high quality and antique clocks and watches dating as far back as the late 1600s.
Britta de Laat– Furniture restorer. Britta runs her own business which sources old, unsought pieces of furniture and turns them into unique, truly beautiful statement objects- she loves turning someone’s trash into treasure.
Erin Keys– Jeweller. A passionate jewellery tutor, designer, and educator with 20 years’ experience with a diverse range of achievements in various facets of craft and design, Erin she runs her own jewellery school and workshops. .
Majella Beck– Metal worker. A metalworker, qualified jeweller and boilermaker by trade, Majella has been teaching for the past 20 years, with her students describing her as a “metal nerd”.
Paul Lowe– Electrical all-rounder. An electrician and teacher for the last 30 years, Paul has an undying passion for repairs, and although partially retired, runs a repair shop from his back shed.
Marshall Heald, Foxtel’s executive director of entertainment said: “Foxtel is excited to be shining a light on untold Australian stories, unearthing new talent, and growing our investment in the lifestyle genre. The Repair Shop Australia is a heart-warming and relatable format that uses family heirlooms to tell emotional Australian stories that audiences will fall in love with. The show will also introduce Australians to an exceptional cast of talented craftspeople helping reconnect us to the magic and beauty of the real world.”
The Repair Shop Australia is produced by Warner Bros International Television Productions (WBITVP) exclusively for Foxtel and premieres Tuesdays at 8.30pm from May 3.