Armidale Men’s Shed will purchase a stand alone dust extraction unit after getting a $9000 grant from Armidale Regional Council.
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Many of the activities at the Shed involve joinery works which generate considerable dust. The old extraction system is inadequate to meet standards for safe working conditions.
The new system will be portable and more efficient in its operation.
Council Administrator Dr Ian Tiley and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall recently visited the Men’s Shed to inspect work on the installation of the new unit.
Dr Tiley said that the Armidale Men’s Shed delivered a great social benefit by providing a space where men could meet while working on projects that make a practical contribution to the community.
The Armidale Men’s Shed, which has operated since 2006, was established to provide a place for men to meet – a need that has been identified nationally. Current membership is predominantly seniors and disadvantaged groups.
“Many men are socially isolated in retirement with limited things to do,” Dr Tiley said. “This situation can be damaging to their self-esteem and mental health.
“The Men’s Shed offers programs for men, and often women, that keep them socially engaged and active in the community.”
The new extractor will make the Shed more inviting and safer for members and visitors and help them attract new members and take on bigger projects.
- Adam Marshall
Mr Marshall said the extractor was another huge leap forward for the Shed.
“It’s already proven to be a big year for the Armidale Men’s Shed with the move to a new building with larger and better facilities,” Mr Marshall said.
“The new extractor will make the Shed more inviting and safer for members and visitors and help them attract new members and take on bigger projects.”
The $9000 comes from the Stronger Communities Fund, which was established by the NSW Government to provide new councils with funding to kick-start the delivery of projects that improve community infrastructure and services.
The community grant program allocated $1 million in grants of up to $50,000 to incorporated not-for-profit community groups within the Armidale Regional Council Local Government Area, for projects that build more vibrant, sustainable and inclusive local communities.
