Members of the Woodgate Men’s Shed (WMS) are enjoying making use of their upgraded club equipment thanks to funding from a Bundaberg Regional Council Community Grant.
The organisation was awarded $3,000 in October last year and used the funds to upgrade a compressor as well as buy a new lawn mower/blower and sandblasting cabinet.
WMS secretary Brian Beckett said the new equipment was not only more environmentally friendly but also meant more members could make use of it.
He said they were now able to undertake a wider range of tasks and repairs which were previously impossible.
“[The] self-propelled battery lawn mower/blower has enabled some of our members who are not as resilient as others to participate in the maintenance of the WMS shed and grounds,” Brian said.
“The compressor upgrade and sandblasting cabinet has provided us with the capability to make the use of tools much easier and the completion of our projects timelier.
“The next step in our plan to have a safer, more productive shed, will be to pipe high pressure air throughout the shed workshop allowing greater flexibility as to where we can use our equipment.”
Helping the community
Bundaberg Regional Council’s Community Grants assist local community groups or organisations who make positive contributions to the quality of life in the region.
The WMS aims to create a safe, happy environment where men can meet and pursue hobbies, learn new skills, focus on mental health and wellbeing, contribute to the community and mentor.
Members can participate in a variety of activities such as gardening, woodworking, boiler making and fitting and turning.
The organisation has been running for 11 years and currently has 48 members.
“The Men’s Shed organisation is basically a bunch of like-minded folks with a common goal to help themselves, family, and their community,” said Brian.
“It’s important to note that the WMS is a safe haven for those men who are looking for mateship and camaraderie and whose contribution can be anything from just turning up for a chat at morning tea to joining the committee or taking up a role as a mentor.
“Everyone has something to give no matter how small it may seem.”
The organisation has also focused on fundraising, donating $4,000 to other local community organisations this year.
“Our members are always willing to lend a hand whether it be helping a member repair or construct personal items for their own use or getting together on a project to benefit the local community,” Brian said.
“To become a member, all you need is to be male, over 18 years old and have a sense of humour.”
For more details visit the WMS website or to find a Men’s Shed near you visit the Australian Men’s Shed Association.
To find out more about Council’s community grants click here.
