McCormack praises Ariah Park Men's Shed

EVEN small grants, such as $2280 given to the Ariah Park Men’s Shed by the Federal Government, make a big difference in the community, the Nationals’ Member for Riverina Michael McCormack says.

Mr McCormack made the comment while visiting the Ariah Park Men’s Shed to talk about a National Shed Development Program grant given to the organisation recently.

The grant has allowed the men’s shed to buy a new plasma cutter and to order vital electrical improvements to the Coolamon Street building where members are busy on projects that are benefitting their community.

Ariah Park Men’s Shed secretary-treasurer, Brian Bell, said one of the projects under way was building shelters for the nearby lake with the help of money raised through the Ariah Park Bachelors and Spinsters Ball.

The group recently built a barbecue trailer for use at community events.

Mr Bell said the men’s shed had been running for four years and had 17 or 18 members, which is an impressive number for a small community.

The group meets every Wednesday morning in a building next to the supermarket.

Mr McCormack praised the spirit of the Ariah Park Men’s Shed – describing it as a great organisation – and the work it is doing for fellow residents.

“You are having a good time, you are getting involved in the community and that is why it is so good,” Mr McCormack told the group during his visit.

Mr McCormack said the men’s shed members were helping young people learn new skills, such as wood turning and welding, and how to do general repairs.

ENDS