THE Women’s Shed project, founded by Coffs Harbour Lions Club, has received a $25,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Investing in Women Fund.

The grant will be used to put on a big workshop weekend in Coffs on July 23 and 24, which will demonstrate what the Women’s Shed plans to provide to the Coffs Coast community.

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From crafts, carpentry, Aboriginal basket making, personal finances, self-defense and wellbeing, the Women’s Shed will offer a safe place to build confidence and empower women to go on to further their education or find new employment.

With a working title of ‘The Women’s Shed Big Weekend Out’, Women’s Shed spokesperson Alex Miller told News Of The Area the purpose of the event.

“We want to replicate what we’re trying to create in the Shed, so we can share our vision with local politicians and Women’s support services in Coffs and surrounding areas.

“We’ve already received commitment from people to run basic workshops on car and home maintenance, carpentry, upcycling, crafts and various other cultural activities.

“We will invite women of all ages and backgrounds to come and sample what the Women’s Shed is all about.

“We are planning to have food trucks and local musicians.

“Our goal is to create a huge weekend of celebration and empowerment for women.”

With the funding granted, the Women’s Shed team is now purposefully in scoping mode to make their project happen.

“The Women’s Shed is also hosting a Community Forum at the Cavanbah Centre in Coffs on 11 May at 3pm.

“It is specifically targeted to women’s support services and to engage with organisations which work with women.

“We will share our plans, get some feedback from the community and strengthen relationships.

“There are a lot of great women’s services in Coffs and we need to work together to fill the gap that exists between these services and education and/or employment.

“We are hoping to confirm a panel of speakers for the forum soon,” said Alex.

Support services and businesses can register to attend through the Women’s Shed website – see below.

“The Women’s Shed is not just about building stuff, we’re about building women.

“It’s time for women to come together and demand a women’s only safe space for women in the Coffs Coast Community.”

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh officially congratulated the Lion’s Club and Women’s Shed team/board members.

By Andrea FERRARI