MEMBERS of Guyra Men’s Shed can now go on a shopping spree for new tools and appliances after receiving the news from Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall that they’d secured a $12,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership fund.
Mr Marshall said he’d discussed funding opportunities with the men when they had first approached him with their wish list late last year and he was delighted that together they had secured the grant.
“The Guyra Men’s Shed is a fantastic organisation and the good work they are doing to help men in the local community is an inspiration to all,” Mr Marshall said.
“They will now be able to replace a few of their older pieces of equipment; they are very focused on making sure the workshop has the highest safety standards to keep their young participants safe and injury free.
“Since they have been operating, the shed has helped out many young men who are either on work experience or come to them from Jobs Australia. They’ve taken the time to work with these boys, teach them a few skills and help prepare them for the workforces.
“Five of the young men that spent time at the Men’s shed now have permanent jobs – it’s a credit to the members and an excellent example of the vital role these sheds can play in small rural communities.
“They do an excellent job in promoting social inclusion among men and providing a practical way of dealing with men’s health issues.”
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall looks over some of the equipment at the Guyra Men’s Shed. Pictured from left are Peter King, Graham Mckay, John Jackson and Shaun Taylor.
Guyra Men’s Shed member John Jackson said they were delighted to get the funding and thanked Mr Marshall for his support and interest.
“This is the first bit of funding we’ve received and it’s going to be a big help,” Mr Jackson said.
“We will be getting a couple of floor drills, a thickness planer, a finishing sander, a lathe and woodwork tools and with all this wood dust flying around, we’re really keen to get an exhaust fan.
“Another item we keen to see in here is a wood heater as it can get pretty cold here in the winter time.”