It was a day of celebrations and reflection at the Wagga Men’s Shed on Sunday.
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The 10-year anniversary marked the successes of the shed so far, which has grown into a social hub with various activities, including carpentry, welding, cooking, gardening and beekeeping.
Among the attendees were Leone Maher, who, along with other shed members, remembered and celebrated the achievements of her late husband, Lawrence Maher, who died earlier this year from cancer at 81 years old.
“It’s the friendships and the camaraderie – they’re all priceless,” Mrs Maher said.
“It’s been a difficult few months, but today’s a happy occasion.
“It’s just nice to be back and say hello to everyone.”
It’s the friendships and the camaraderie – they're all priceless.
- Leone Maher
Mr Maher was the first secretary of the shed and one of the initial nine members.
“He put his heart and soul into it,” Mrs Maher said.
“He started the computers and helped run the workshops to teach ladies and gentlemen how to use their mobile phones.
“Then he found woodturning, which he never done in his life because he was a teacher.
Mrs Maher thanked the shed and its members for their support.
“The members here really supported his battle with cancer – they really did help with prolonging his life.”
Mrs Maher encouraged more men to join.
“Even if you just want to drop by for tea and a chat, it will help you,” she said.
Shed president Peter Quinane thanked all who attended, which included more than 100 members and Wagga City councillor Yvonne Braid OAM.
Mr Quinane said the rebuilding of the shed after the fire in 2011 was one of the highlights.
“This is a place that arisen out of the ashes,” he said.
“It’s got a good function area, a good computer room and a library.
“It’s got everything we need, really.”
It’s got everything we need, really.
- Peter Quinane, president of Wagga Men's Shed
Other highlights he cited include the Shed of the Year Award in 2017 and the 700-odd hours that he and other members have volunteered in helping charities.
Asked about what lies ahead, Mr Quinane said the next major project was a new shed at the rear of the site.
“We just need about another $140,000 in funding and it should be underway,” he said.
Cr Braid said it was a “marvelous day”.
“Knowing what they do for other people, it’s absolutely great for this community,” she said.