Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Denise Knight, got tooled up and helped fix doors at the Coffs Harbour Men’s
Shed this week to mark the completion of the latest stage of the fit-out of the shed they’ve built with grant help from Council.
“The new Men’s Shed in Howard Street is exactly the sort of project I saw happening when I initiated the Community Capital Infrastructure Grants Program. The ideas and impetus – and a lot of the hard graft – comes from the community group involved, while Council can help with funds and know-how,” said Cr Knight.
“The ultimate goal is to achieve facilities that benefit the whole community in the long run and the work the Men’s Shed members can achieve at the new shed, both in terms of products and well-being, is going to be invaluable to the wider community.”
The Community Capital Infrastructure Grants Program was established in September 2013. The grants are designed to match funding raised by applicants to improve community facilities. The program aims to assist not-for-profit and community organisations to undertake capital projects that enhance the economic, social and environmental well-being of the local community.
“The Coffs Harbour Men’s Shed was established seven years ago and it has been our dream from the beginning to be able to build our own shed and thus remove the high monthly rent burden and, importantly, to be able to significantly increase membership and the scope of shed activities,” said John Gregory, Men’s Shed Treasurer and Public Officer. “Our dream is about to be realised, made real by two Community Capital Infrastructure Grants. In addition to the grant monies, the support, advice and assistance provided by the Council through this build process has been superb and we have all felt that we have been working in partnership.
“The Men’s Shed of Coffs Harbour is gratefully indebted to Coffs Harbour City Council and strongly endorses the Community Capital Infrastructure Grants program.”
The latest round of Community Capital Infrastructure Grants funding begins on Monday, March 27. Details can be found here.
Council is also running a workshop from 5pm to 6pm at the Council Chamber on Monday, March 27, to help any prospective applicants with information and a full understanding of the application process.
