4 August 2020
Today the new facilities for the Warwick Men’s Shed Inc and Warwick Shire Woodcrafters Inc, at Theo Cantor Park, was officially opened by The Hon. Stirling Hinchliffe, Minister for Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs, SDRC Mayor Vic Pennisi, Councillors and members from the Men’s Shed and Warwick Woodcrafters organisations.
The relocation of Warwick Men’s Shed and Warwick Woodcrafters (140-142 McEvoy St), resulted in a project cost (to date) of $774,789. This is a joint initiative of Southern Downs Regional Council and the Queensland Government through the Works for Queensland program, Rounds 2 and 3. The support and contribution of $547,152 from the Queensland Government Works for Queensland Programs, has meant this community organisation now has fantastic new amenities available to support a wide range of residents in a shorter timeframe.
The funding will help to benefit the wider community for years to come through the social and economic contributions made by these not-for-profit organisations, who “give back” to the community. The Warwick Men’s Shed and Warwick Woodcrafters also provide a space where residents can learn, practice, and improve woodworking skills as well as time spent working with their hands. For many who enjoy working with their hands, creative hobbies such as woodworking can provide a great outlet and sometimes therapeutic benefit.
Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Vic Pennisi said that the Warwick Men’s Shed and Warwick Woodcrafters provided a valuable contribution to the community.
“Funding from the Queensland Government from the Works for Queensland Program really assists communities to build their own safe spaces for residents, improve liveability of the region, and sustain the unique rural culture of the Southern Downs,” said Mayor Vic Pennisi.
“It really helps the funding that Council invests stretch even further,”
“The Men’s Shed provides a safe space for men to discuss difficult subjects, be connected with the support services they need, or just to have a few hours where they can relax and be surrounded by peers and friends”.
“Of equal importance is the community contribution of the Warwick Woodcrafters, who welcome both men and women who are interested in either teaching or learning the fine arts of woodwork. Working with your hands and connecting with people helps keep lifelong learning”
“I really encourage anyone who is interested in either the Men’s Shed or Woodcrafters to take advantage of this great new community asset.”
For more information on the Warwick Men’s Shed, please visit www.warwickmensshed.org. For more information on the Warwick Woodcrafters, please contact the Secretary on 4661 1523.
For more information on Council news, visit www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/news. Alternatively, call 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372), email mail@sdrc.qld.gov.au, or use the MySDRC app.