A new welder purchased through Powerlink’s Community Grant program has sparked a connection at Gladstone Men’s Shed.
The organisation has been supporting the physical and mental health of Gladstone men for the last 12 years.
Men’s Shed President Gerry Graham said men don’t usually talk over a cup of coffee at a café but rather through working together, shoulder to shoulder.
“The upgrade of our welder is like going from a T-model Ford to a Rolls Royce,” he said.
“We do a lot of welding and this helps us achieve a finer finished product, quicker.”
Gladstone Men’s Shed have a range of projects underway from signs for a new national park to kids’ toys and refurbishments of aging furniture.
“The men get satisfaction from making something with their hands with other men, sharing that camaraderie and mateship,” Gerry said.
“If it’s something for the community, like a picnic table in a preschool, you get the satisfaction of throwing that on the ute, delivering it and seeing the joy on the faces of both the kids and teachers – that’s fantastic!”
Gladstone Men’s Shed is a self-funded community organisation open to men of any age and ability to attend.
Powerlink spokesperson Chris Garlick said the organisation was proud to support local initiatives through the Community Grants Program.
“The welder is more than a piece of equipment, it represents a connection point for men to talk about things that we sometimes find difficult to share,” he said.
“It will also enable them men to have a greater sense of pride in the quality of workmanship they’re able to deliver.
“Powerlink is proud to support the Gladstone Men’s Shed further enabling meaningful connections and support.”
Powerlink has invested almost $50,000 across 14 Central Queensland community groups through the most recent Community Grants program.
Visit the Gladstone Men’s Shed website for more information about joining or supporting their activities.
