The Orange Women’s Shed has flourished into a strong network for women to learn skills and access support and grow confidence.
The Shed started about three years ago, and has since become a well-established hub.
Orange Mayor, Reg Kidd, said Orange Women’s Shed was an important place for women to get together to socialise but also to learn trades-based skills so they could complete basic home maintenance improvements.
“It’s become so much more than a place where women can learn the skills they need to fix a cabinet, change a tap washer or hang a door.
“Many of these women are widowed and some don’t have many family members around who can help and support them.
“The shed has become a safe haven for women to feel welcome, empowered and to have a place where they can talk to others who are in similar places in life.”
Council’s Services Policy Committee Chair, Councillor Stephen Nugent, said the initiative, started by Council staff, had made significant impacts on the lives of women across the region.
“It’s given women the confidence to know they don’t need to rely on others and they don’t need to pay for the help if they can’t afford it.
“This shed is truly a place for the community and was put together by a range of people and services.
“Wangarang Industries has been instrumental in the development of this program.
“Wangarang has provided the shed for the women, free of charge, helped them with grant applications and was integral in the construction involved to close in the shed and add facilities.
“As well as our sponsors, we would like to thank everyone who has made a donation of power tools and supplies over the three years.”
