Emma Pritchard
It isn’t just about learning new or honing previously acquired skills on woodworking machinery or transforming slabs of timber into fashionable household and outdoor items.
At the Grafton Community Shed, it’s all about inviting and encouraging like-minded people to come together in a safe space to share their knowledge, boost their mental health, participate in new activities, enjoy companionship and social interaction, and indulge in plenty of fun and laughter.
Founded in 2019, the Grafton Community Shed is a not-for-profit organisation.
Comprising 30 members who meet at the local workshop each Tuesday and Saturday morning between 9am and 12pm, the registered charity works closely with other non-commercial community-based institutes and is always ready to welcome other men and women into the group.
A keen woodworker, Don Nethercott has been affiliated with the Grafton Community Shed since its inception, and joined to meet new friends who share similar interests while dedicating more time to his hobby.
“You learn different skills off different people,” he explained.
“Some people here are highly skilled woodworkers, others are beginners.
“It’s also about enjoying the company of the other members, and we’ve got women who are members here too.”
Describing the Grafton Community Shed as a very caring and friendly environment, Esther Froesch and Shona Lawrie told the Clarence Valley Independent they have been whole-heartedly welcomed into the organisation.
“Woodworking is generally viewed as a mostly male orientated craft, but we have always been made to feel welcome by all of the men who come here,” they said.
“We love this place.
“We would also love to encourage more women to come along and join in.”
Supported financially by Federal and State Government grants, members of the Grafton Community Shed work primarily with donated timber and equipment, with the finished products being utilised by other local organisations.
After visiting the workshop on April 4, Clarence Valley Council (CVC) Mayor Ian Tiley said council are currently exploring options to provide further financial support to the Grafton Community Shed.
He identified the addition of shaded areas over a newly laid outdoor concrete slab along with upgrading the driveway to provide all weather access to the workshop as the main focal points towards securing future funding.
The Grafton Community Shed is located at 145 Hoof Street and caters to a number of groups including men and women, elderly residents, persons with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, local youths, and First Nations peoples.
Anyone interested in joining is invited to attend a workshop during open hours, or email graftoncommunityshed@gmail.com for further information.