Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, left, with 92-year-old Glen Innes men’s Shed member Bill Challen in front of the restored shed truck Ruby.
Monday, 27 July 2020
A warm welcome and a hot cup of coffee will greet those who visit Glen Innes Men’s Shed, after Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announced a $2,500 grant from the State Government to install a new air-conditioning unit and hot water system at the popular local hang-out.
“There’s never a shortage of friendship or conversation at Glen Innes Men’s Shed, but even a good laugh and a bit of hard work is sometimes not enough to keep out the cold of a Glen Innes winter,” Mr Marshall said.
“Until now members have had to huddle around a gas heater, which while good for comradery, is not a very efficient way to heat a building of that size.
“This grant has allowed the Men’s Shed to install a brand new reverse cycle air-conditioning unit in the tea-room, which will provide heating in winter and cooling in summer.
“Excitingly, the air-conditioning unit will actually lead to a reduction in the Men’s Shed’s operating costs, as the organisation will utilise electricity generated from 40 solar panels on the building’s roof to power the system.
“The shed’s committee has made every dollar of this grant count, also putting in a mounted hot water system which provides instant hot water for tea and coffees as soon as the smoke whistle is blown.
“While COVID-19 has restricted the number of people able to visit Glen Innes Men’s Shed, it has still remained an important support network for its more than 90 members.”
Glen Innes Men’s Shed President Jim Wilson said improved heating would make the building more welcoming for older members.
“The cold weather is not a friend to many of our older colleagues, some of whom don’t come in as often as they would during the winter months,” Mr Wilson said.
“These additions will make the building much more user friendly, as we will be able to set the timer to start heating the room before we even turn up and all fire-up the tools.”