Orange’s Women’s Shed has blazed a trail ever since it started, and now thanks to Newcastle Permanent’s Charitable Foundation, the sky is the limit.
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The shed which is partnered with Wangarang Industries, received $50,000 from the building society’s philanthropic arm.
The current shed has only got three walls and the money will be used to seal and insulate the shed so it can be used throughout the year.
Members will also get a few new tools.
Women’s Shed member Michelle Einsaar said she was looking forward to the shed becoming an all-weather facility.
“We have a drill press which has been donated but until the wall is up it’s not practical to leave it in the open,” Ms Einsaar said.
“We would like to get to the stage where we can produce things to sell or for a donation and do repairs.”
Wangarang Industries general manager Kevin McGuire said the Orange Women’s Shed was the first in NSW.
“It was the brainchild of Paula Beattie and Fiona Cooper at Orange City Council, they got it up and running,” he said.
“It will help with the integration with our supported employees, but also it’s a chance for the women to pass on their skills to supported employees.”
Mr McGuire said Wangarang heard Women’s Shed were looking for a permanent home and offered up one of theirs, which was being used for storage.
He said the grant had given them confidence to complete the shed by next year.
“For this project, we see it as important that people, particularly women, who are facing social isolation have the chance to socialise but also learn practical skills,” Newcastle Permanent’s Charitable Foundation executive officer Graham Batten said.
Mr Batten said the foundation had been a strong supporter of Men’s Sheds in the past.
“We believe all facets of the community are important, the ability to assist women with similar issues was a great idea,” he said.
“It was an application which really stood out to us and a chance to help out with something that was really unique but could also set an example for social engagement for other communities
Mr Batten said since 2013, $370,000 had been donated to projects around around Orange, part of $990,000 which had been donated across the Central West.
Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
