The mayor of Coffs Harbour City Council put on her tool belt recently to celebrate the construction of a local men’s shed.
Mayor Denise Knight was tooled up ready to fix doors at the Coffs Harbour Men’s Shed in late March, to mark the completion of the latest stage of the shed, which has been assisted by a community grant from Council.
“The new Men’s Shed in Howard Street is exactly the sort of project I saw happening when I initiated the Community Capital Infrastructure Grants Program,” said the mayor.
“The ideas and impetus – and a lot of the hard graft – comes from the community group involved, while Council can help with funds and know-how.
“The ultimate goal is to achieve facilities that benefit the whole community in the long run and the work the Men’s Shed members can achieve at the new shed, both in terms of products and well-being, is going to be invaluable to the wider community.”
The Community Capital Infrastructure Grants Program was established in September 2013.
The grants are designed to match funding raised by applicants to improve community facilities.
The program aims to assist not-for-profit and community organisations to undertake capital projects that enhance the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the local community.
“The Coffs Harbour Men’s Shed was established seven years ago and it has been our dream from the beginning to be able to build our own shed and thus remove the high monthly rent burden and, importantly, to be able to significantly increase membership and the scope of shed activities,” said John Gregory, Men’s Shed Treasurer and Public Officer.
“Our dream is about to be realised, made real by two Community Capital Infrastructure Grants.
“In addition to the grant monies, the support, advice and assistance provided by the Council through this build process has been superb and we have all felt that we have been working in partnership.
“The Men’s Shed of Coffs Harbour is gratefully indebted to Coffs Harbour City Council and strongly endorses the Community Capital Infrastructure Grants program.”
