THE Penola Men’s Shed held its annual Christmas lunch recently with community members from far and wide coming to celebrate the year.
The function was the brand new shed’s first after it was constructed following fundraising from residents and businesses around the district.
Penola Men’s Shed president Ian Tregenza thanked the community for its generosity to help build the new shed.
“We are so grateful to the community for all of their support this year,” he said.
“With our new shed up, it is giving our boys a bit of inspiration for what we might do inside, which is great to keep us busy.
“We’re looking forward to the new year and to see what projects will unfold.”
Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll, Member for MacKillop Nick McBride and Wattle Range Councillor Dean Burrow were among the guests at the event.
Mr Tregenza said he was honoured to have the trio attend the Christmas function.
“It’s really great to see them come out to our little function,” he said.
“Mayor Noll also donated $500 to our shed, which was really appreciated.
“We are thankful for the support we receive from local government as we all know how important men’s sheds are to mental health.”
In addition to financial donations, the shed is also accepting purchase orders for carpentry projects.
In the last few weeks Mr Tregenza said the men’s shed has been inundated with project requests.
“We did the picnic tables at the Nangwarry Pool and have had a lot of people asking for us to build similar things for them,” he said.
“When we get the community involved with things like this it not only helps us, but gives them something new.
“If we can keep raising funds we may be able to concrete the outdoor area of our new shed and close a one or two of the walls in.”
