Developing new skills makes a vital contribution to women’s wellbeing, building confidence and self-esteem, while fostering new relationships delivers additional mental health benefits.
Port Macquarie Women’s Shed will continue to play a key role in providing this invaluable support for women in the Port Macquarie region after taking out the December round of Greater Bank’s #GreaterMidNorthCoast community funding program.
Their success in the public vote means Port Macquarie Women’s Shed (PMQ Women’s Shed) has received $2000, while runners up Taree Wildcats and Great Lakes Education Fund (Forster) have both received $500.
Port Macquarie Women’s Shed President Jennifer Tighe said women from 18 to 90 are part of the shed’s activities.
“The PMQ Women’s Shed was originally focussed on developing woodworking skills, but it has morphed and changed with women’s needs and now includes many activities, including workshops on making beach bags, soaps, beeswax wraps, cards, mosaics, Christmas wreaths, crochet, knitting and sewing,” Jennifer said.
“We realise how important it is for our mental health to have connections and build meaningful relationships, so we also get together socially for lunches and day trips.
“We also make beanies, scarves and blankets for the homeless, care packages for local charities and Christmas packs for serving Defence Personnel overseas.
“Our aim is to empower women with skills and knowledge and this funding from Greater Bank will help us to do just that. Our DA has been approved for our new purpose built shed and we are in the process of obtaining quotes for the building.
Jennifer Tighe, Port Macquarie Women's Shed President
“Every dollar counts and we can do a lot with $2,000. We really appreciate all the votes we received from the locals in Port Macquarie, our members, friends and family who got behind us to achieve over 6,000 votes, an enormous effort! Thank you Greater Bank.”
Greater Bank’s Mid North Coast Regional Sales Manager, Jennifer Smith, said it’s great for women to have a diverse range of interests.
“It’s so important for women to have a place they can go to learn new things and make new friends at the same time making a contribution to the community,” Jennifer said.
“I’m pleased we’ve been able to help the PMQ Women’s Shed achieve its aims through the support of the #GreaterMidNorthCoast community funding program.”
Voting in the January round is now open, with Kendall Craft Cooperative (Port Macquarie), Taree West Cricket Club and Boomerang Bags all in the running for a share of $3,000 in monthly funding.
The public can vote online at www.greater.com.au/greatermidnorthcoast until 5:00pm, Wednesday, 2 February 2022.