Latest news with #Men'sShed
Irish Independent
02-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Trim Women's Shed appeals for a safe space to ‘call home'
Members of the group presented a deputation to the council last week during their June meeting, highlighting the growing demand for a dedicated venue where the shed can meet, host activities, and continue supporting women in the local area. Since its formation in 2023, the group has grown to over 450 members and offers a safe, welcoming space where women can connect, learn new skills, and support one another through workshops, creative classes, and social events. However, the absence of a consistent venue has become a major challenge to its continued growth and sustainability. 'We wanted to get women out and into the community,' said Caroline Smith, Chair of Trim Women's Shed, addressing councillors. 'We are a safe support space for women and a non-judgemental group where women can gather, support each other and learn new skills. All women above the age of 18 are welcome to join, and there's no cut-off age.' Ms Smith continued: 'We have a wide range of activities such as arts and crafts workshops, flower workshops, and a choir. We are not afraid of hard work. We are not afraid of trying new skills.' To mark their one-year anniversary last year, the group hosted a fashion show and sold more than 400 tickets. 'Our goal is to empower women by fostering connections and lasting friendships,' Ms Smith added. 'We ask our members that if they do have a skill they'd like to share, to come aboard.' She also spoke about the mental health benefits the group provides, saying, 'A lot of women have said that the shed saved them, that it brought them out of isolation.' Women's Shed movements have expanded rapidly across Ireland in recent years, inspired by the well-established Men's Shed model. These groups offer essential social, emotional, and educational supports—particularly in rural areas and for women navigating life transitions such as retirement, bereavement, or becoming empty nesters. While the Trim Women's Shed has made do with temporary venues and occasional meeting rooms, Ms Smith said the lack of a permanent home limits what they can offer. 'To enhance our impact, we need a safe, accessible and secure space for our programmes and as a welcoming hub,' she told the council. 'Currently we rely on local premises. While we are entirely grateful for the support we receive, we don't have space for our equipment… we need a home.' She concluded by thanking the council for the opportunity to present their vision. All the councillors expressed strong support for the group and acknowledged the importance of providing inclusive, accessible spaces for women. The Council agreed to review possible options. Councillor Joe Fox said: 'I know how important this group is. Any support we can give you, we will do that.' Councillor Ronan Moore added that Trim currently lacks sufficient community spaces: 'We are lacking in community spaces, and it's something we need to keep in the forefront as it does add value to the town.' Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Perth Now
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Mandurah's iconic giant to be restored after grim discovery
The City of Mandurah is hoping to reopen access to one of the iconic Thomas Dambo giants in time for the school holidays after a grim discovery put her under repair. After Mandurah Men's Shed discovered termite damage to the Lake Clifton sculpture's feet earlier this year, the giant known as Jyttes Hytte was closed to public access last week until repairs could be made. Termite damage on beloved Lake Clifton giant leads to amputation Credit: Supplied Mandurah Men's Shed chairman Trevor Howard said the damage grew incrementally over the past few months. Your local paper, whenever you want it. 'We've had to temporarily amputate her feet to access and inspect the bottom part of her,' Mr Howard said. He said the job would require the help of several Men's Shed volunteers but he was hopeful repairs would be done by the end of the month. Both feet of giant Jyttes Hytte has suffered damage and are under repair Credit: Supplied 'It's not very intricate, it's just that (creator Thomas Dambo) went to a lot of trouble to make it look as realistic as possible, which he did, and we want to try and maintain the sort of perfection he achieved,' he said. The process will involve recalibrating sizing, making templates and reusing as much of the original material as possible but will ultimately require remaking the individual pieces to fit back together. 'We see this as an opportunity for us to use the range of skills our members have and help restore this fantastic and unique piece of art,' Mr Howard added. In a Sydney Morning Herald story from 2022, Mr Dambo said he never intended his sculptures to last forever. 'The world has a problem in that it has an obsession with owning things and wanting them to last forever,' Mr Dambo told the Herald. 'As I am a recycle artist, why should I build sculptures that last forever? Who am I to say that people in the future should still look at some art I made back in 2022? I hope the future will have new artists doing new work with relevant things to say about their time.' A city spokesperson said the intention was to maintain the safety of the Giants so they were fit for both their environment and the public's enjoyment. 'While there is no doubt that the Giants will return back to nature over time, given how loved they have become with both local resident and visitors alike, we want as many people as possible to get the opportunity to share in the wonder of these amazing sculptures, which is in line with the artist's expectation for the project,' the spokesperson said. The artist responsible for the giants, Thomas Dambo. Credit: Supplied 'The expected lifespan of Thomas Dambo's giants depend on environmental conditions, which differs in different locations around the world, with some sculptures lasting longer than others. 'While we're now approaching the three-year mark, regular inspections show that the sculptures are still in good condition,' the spokesperson added. Mandurah mayor Caroline Knight said the City of Mandurah was incredibly proud of the Thomas Dambo Giants, and the joy they brought to our community and visitors, which was why repairs were being made to address the minor termite activity. 'Our partners at the Men's Shed do a fantastic job of regularly checking on the Giants,' she said. 'It was thanks to their diligence that we identified the problem and were able to address it quickly. 'We're committed to maintaining all of our Giants to the highest standard, ensuring they continue to be a unique and cherished part of Mandurah's appeal. 'She'll be back to her full beauty very soon.'
West Australian
10-06-2025
- General
- West Australian
Mandurah's iconic giant has foot amputated after Mandurah Men's Shed discovered termite infestation
One of the iconic Mandurah Giants' feet has been amputated and is under repair due to termite damage. The structural damage was discovered by the Mandurah Men's Shed earlier this year during their regular fortnightly inspection of the giant known as Jyttes Hytte. Mandurah Men's Shed chairman Trevor Howard said the damage grew incrementally until the City of Mandurah made the decision to close the giant from public access until repairs could be made. 'We've had to temporarily amputate her feet to access and inspect the bottom part of her,' Mr Howard said. Mr Howard said the job would require the help of several Men's Shed volunteers and is hopeful repairs will be done by the end of the month. 'It's not very intricate, it's just that he (creator Thomas Dambo) went to a lot of trouble to make it look as realistic as possible, which he did, and we want to try and maintain the sort of perfection he achieved,' he said. The process will involve re-calibrating sizing, making templates and reusing as much of the original material as possible but will ultimately require remaking the individual pieces to fit back together. 'We see this as an opportunity for us to use the range of skills our members have and help restore this fantastic and unique piece of art,' Mr Howard added. Mandurah mayor Caroline Knight is hopeful the Lake Clifton Giant will reopen in two weeks, in time for the school holidays. 'We are incredibly proud of the Thomas Dambo Giants and the joy they bring to our community and visitors,' Mayor Knight said. 'Our beloved Jyttes Hytte Giant is currently being repaired to address the minor termite activity. She'll be back to her full beauty very soon. 'Our partners at the Men's Shed do a fantastic job of regularly checking on the Giants. It was thanks to their diligence that we identified the problem and were able to address it quickly. 'We're committed to maintaining all of our Giants to the highest standard, ensuring they continue to be a unique and cherished part of Mandurah's appeal.'
Perth Now
10-06-2025
- General
- Perth Now
Mandurah's iconic giant amputated after grim discovery
One of the iconic Mandurah Giants' feet has been amputated and is under repair due to termite damage. The structural damage was discovered by the Mandurah Men's Shed earlier this year during their regular fortnightly inspection of the giant known as Jyttes Hytte. Mandurah Men's Shed chairman Trevor Howard said the damage grew incrementally until the City of Mandurah made the decision to close the giant from public access until repairs could be made. 'We've had to temporarily amputate her feet to access and inspect the bottom part of her,' Mr Howard said. Mr Howard said the job would require the help of several Men's Shed volunteers and is hopeful repairs will be done by the end of the month. 'It's not very intricate, it's just that he (creator Thomas Dambo) went to a lot of trouble to make it look as realistic as possible, which he did, and we want to try and maintain the sort of perfection he achieved,' he said. The process will involve re-calibrating sizing, making templates and reusing as much of the original material as possible but will ultimately require remaking the individual pieces to fit back together. 'We see this as an opportunity for us to use the range of skills our members have and help restore this fantastic and unique piece of art,' Mr Howard added. Mandurah mayor Caroline Knight is hopeful the Lake Clifton Giant will reopen in two weeks, in time for the school holidays. 'We are incredibly proud of the Thomas Dambo Giants and the joy they bring to our community and visitors,' Mayor Knight said. 'Our beloved Jyttes Hytte Giant is currently being repaired to address the minor termite activity. She'll be back to her full beauty very soon. 'Our partners at the Men's Shed do a fantastic job of regularly checking on the Giants. It was thanks to their diligence that we identified the problem and were able to address it quickly. 'We're committed to maintaining all of our Giants to the highest standard, ensuring they continue to be a unique and cherished part of Mandurah's appeal.'
West Australian
14-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Cruise ship season 2025 wraps up with 20,000 tourists visiting the Port of Albany in seven months
Albany's 2024-25 cruise season has drawn to a close with tens of thousands of visitors deposited in the port city since October and a special few leaving with a thoughtful gift from the Men's Shed. The departure of the Insignia last Wednesday represented the last of the region's boat-bound tourists, with almost 20,000 visitors landing in the Great Southern from 18 vessels in the seven months since the season's October beginning. The captain of each cruise vessel making its maiden voyage to the Port of Albany was presented with a plaque made by the Albany Men's Shed made with timber from the port's former deep-water jetty. Southern Ports chief executive Keith Wilks said the majority of the ships were visiting for the first time. 'Sixty per cent of our cruise ship visits this season were the first time those vessels had come into our ports, which shows just how popular our regions are becoming,' he said. 'Every cruise visit is another chance to showcase our spectacular regions to new groups of visitors and we're proud of the role we play in that. 'Cruise visits result in money being spent in local economies and many passengers come back for longer visits after getting a first taste of the region. 'There is so much for tourists to discover and see throughout the Great Southern, Goldfields-Esperance and South West regions that it is impossible to do it all during just one visit.' Significant numbers of tourists explored the Great Southern on their cruise ship maiden voyage to the region, with the Crown Princess delivering 3000 in November, the MSC Magnifica offering more than 2000 in March and 1800 embarking from the Westerdam in December. 'Having so many new vessels include Albany on their itineraries is a reflection on the fact it is one of WA's premier cruise destinations and the industry is continuing to bounce back strongly,' Mr Wilks said. 'Because cruise visits often lead to visitors returning at a later date it's difficult to measure their full impact on our regional economies, but it's certainly overwhelmingly positive.' The 2023-24 cruise season made a $385m economic impact throughout WA, according to data from the Australian Cruise Association.
