The men of the Burdekin Men’s Shed have shared their appreciation after receiving funding as part of the 2023-24 Volunteer Grants.
The organisation directed the grant towards the purchase of a new mower which President Rob Ritchie said was an immense help.
“Our mower gets used fairly regularly down here; our groundsman uses it every week and he does a fantastic job on the grounds,” Mr Ritchie said.
The new mower, purchased from Honeycombes and handed over last Friday, May 24, will replace a mower that the organisation owned for up to eight years.
“It’s saving us on maintenance on the old mower and we’ve got a good, reliable and safe machine to work with,” Mr Ritchie said.
The new mower will be primarily used by the Men’s Shed groundsman Chris Payard who Mr Ritchie thanked for his service.
“Chris works and he volunteers his time,” he said.
“He does the mowing and the whipper snipping and we take our hat off to him, it’s greatly appreciated.
“The mower provides a pleasant atmosphere to the members here,” added Secretary Charles Ford.
“There’s nothing like a Men’s Shed that’s well-groomed all the time and provides a good atmosphere for the men to participate in.”
The Burdekin Men’s Shed applied for the grant after Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox highlighted their eligibility.
Projects including painting chairs for the Zonta Club, mentoring students from various schools around the region and making and donating toys to Dale Last’s Christmas appeals exemplify the role the Men’s Shed plays in the community.
“I think one of the main reasons we were recognised with a Volunteers Grant is because we became part of the community immediately when we first formed the shed,” Mr Ford said.
“We do jobs for the community, and we are helping people of the community and we’re only volunteers, so that’s why we have a good name.”
Mr Willcox said the grants are critical in supporting and recognising the role that volunteers play within our community.
“Volunteers play a crucial role in our communities, and their selflessness and dedication to our region deserves recognition and support,” Mr Willcox said.
“This funding is well deserved, keep up the incredible work that you do.”
L-R Burdekin Men’s Shed Groundsman Chris Payard, Grant Writer John Furnell, Steven Caltabiano of Honeycombes, President Rob Ritchie and Secretary Charles Ford
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