A $9,040 State Government grant gets sparks flying at Uralla Men’s Shed with Secretary Bruce Stubberfield, left, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Uralla Men’s Shed Members Chris Wayling, Vince Scollen, Richard Burnett looking forward to the purchase of a specialised metal lathe with combined milling machine.
Wednesday, 9 February 2022
SPARKS will soon fly at Uralla Men’s Shed as the organisation branches out into metal working, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $9,040 State Government grant to purchase a specialised metal lathe with combined milling machine.
Mr Marshall said additional space in the fantastic new shed had allowed members to try their hand at something new.
“The Uralla Men’s Shed was originally set up with equipment and tools for working with wood, but with the opening of its new space last year it now has the room to take on all manner of different and exciting projects,” Mr Marshall said.
“The metal lathe and milling machine will broaden what the Men’s Shed can produce while giving local blokes interested in metal working encouragement to sign up as members.
“The wider community will also benefit as members carry out repairs or restore items that would otherwise go to waste. New treasures will be made as craftsman tackle projects which are too specialised or small for the larger fabricators.
“I’m pleased the Uralla Men’s Shed is going down the path of encouraging a broader range of blokes to get involved with the comradery and mental health support the organisation provides.”
The State Government has now contributed $108,000 for projects at Uralla Men’s Shed.
Uralla Men’s Shed Secretary Bruce Stubberfield said this grant would allow the organisation to expand and diversify its activities in order to increase interest for its members.
“We are excited about taking receipt of this new specialised equipment from Sydney,” Mr Stubberfield said.
“Our members with machinist training are looking forward to setting up the equipment for use and sharing their experience with friends whose skills are in other fields.
“Traditionally our shed has focused on wood working, however many of our members spent their lives in metal fabrication and have incredible skills which are just waiting to be shared.
“We expect having these tools on hand will assist in growing our membership from 27, and allow for greater interaction with the community.
“The Uralla Men’s Shed is most appreciative of the Community Building Partnership Grant and thanks Adam and the State Government for their support.”