Men’s Shed sees light Philips helps Cooktown branch cut down power bill

MEMBERS of a popular Far North Men’s Shed branch are glowing following a generous donation of new lighting.

Concerned about the organisation’s energy consumption, Cooktown Men’s Shed manager David Cass reached out to Philips Australia for some much-needed help.

Within hours, the company had replied to his request and subsequently donated four new LED High Bay Wide Beam units to the fledgling Far North branch.

“The old technology was just chewing up power,” Mr Cass said.

“I nearly fell off my chair with how supportive Philips Australia was.

“They have made a huge difference to our workshop power consumption and workshop safety for all of our shed members.”

With about 50 members, including women, the Cooktown Men’s Shed is one of the region’s most active branches. But Mr Cass said there was always room for more involvement from the community.

“I’m sometimes a bit surprised we don’t have more people on board,” he said.

“But we have an eclectic mixture of members, some of whom come every day, while others pop in every few weeks.”

Product marketing manager of Philips Lighting Australia, Claus Reiner, said Philips was happy to support Men’s Shed Cooktown with its “much needed lighting upgrade”.

“Philips is grateful for the significant community work Australian Men’s Sheds do right across the country,” he said.