FEDERAL FUNDS TO START MANNING’S FIRST WOMEN’S SHED AND A NEW TAREE YOUTH PROGRAM

Federal funding under the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program will establish the Manning’s region’s first Women’s Shed, as well as a new local Saturday night program for young people.

·         Manning Valley Neighbourhood Services $279,236 - Manning Region’s Women’s Shed

·         Taree PCYC $149,581 - New UNITE youth program on Saturday nights, starting April 2022

Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said the Manning Valley Neighbourhood Services (MVNS) at Wingham would establish the Women’s Shed project for women impacted by the trauma of the 2019-20 bushfires.

“As we remember too well, during the Black Summer bushfires, over 250,000 hectares on the MidCoast were burnt, 130 houses were lost and many people were traumatised,” Dr Gillespie said.

“Congratulations to Manning Valley Neighbourhood Services on reaching out to women to offer programs and activities to support their wellbeing and that of their families. Local women are going to be encouraged to actively participate in establishing and running the Women’s Shed.”

MVNS Manager Caron Watkins said the Shed would provide a safe meeting place, a place to share experiences and a place of skills’ development and learning. 

“It’s well documented that fires do not only cause physical harm; many people experience mental trauma. People struggle to cope long after a disaster has settled,” Ms Watkins said.

“We will be advertising a coordinator’s role in coming weeks and we’re also on the lookout for ideas about a physical space for the Women’s Shed. This project will be responsive and evolve into what local women want and need as support services.”

Taree PCYC Manager Justin Hayes thanked Dr Gillespie for the funding support for a new activities program for local youth.

“The UNITE program is about building resilience amongst young people, helping them recover from trauma and making them feel as though they’re part of our community,” Mr Hayes said. 

“We’re really providing this program for 10 to 16 year olds and we’ll be kicking off on Saturday nights after Easter, so not long to wait.”

Caption1 : Dr Gillespie announcing Federal funding for Taree PCYC, pictured with PCYC Manager Justin Hayes, and staff members Elliott Bruton and Donna Lumantas-Hooke.

Caption 2: Dr Gillespie announcing Federal funding for the Manning region’s first Women’s Shed, pictured with MVNS Manager Caron Watkins and Community Development officer Lisa Hort.