Blowing out the dust

Blokes utilising the Trafalgar Men’s Shed will enjoy a better working environment after the unveiling of a $22,700 dust extraction unit on Wednesday.

The unit was funded by Community Bank Trafalgar and District, with branch manager Phil Drummond on hand for the unveiling alongside Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood

Trafalgar Men’s Shed finance committee chairman Ian Ramsey said the dust extraction unit was vital in keeping dust down in the shed for all 40 members.

Prior to the bank funding, Mr Ramsey said they were using portable units which were simply not getting the job done.

“We’ve got to have this,” he said.

The Trafalgar Men’s Shed prides itself on its friendly and open offerings to blokes in the community to enjoy mateship, get their hands on tools, assist in community projects or simply sit down for a cuppa.

The group moved from its initial shed near the swimming pool to its current shed in Wellington St about 18 months ago. Membership has since doubled.

Whilst putting the necessary COVID-19 procedures in place had been costly, members were very keen to get back into their shed.

“Today’s not a bad turnout,” said Mr Ramsey. “They are slowly starting to come back.”

One thing learnt during lockdown was the need to improve IT skills amongst members. Zoom meetings to create social interaction only attracted seven members.

As a result, the shed is keen to set up a computer area for online and member-led sessions in IT.

Mr Ramsey said they were desperately searching for second-hand computers, laptops or iPads to make this possible.

If you can help, call Ian Ramsey on 0408 034 889.

The Trafalgar Men’s Shed is currently open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am to 3.30pm.