As Australia gears up for another bushfire season, a local Men’s Shed in Gippsland has donated furniture for the Country Fire Authority (CFA).
The CFA is a voluntary fire service comprising over 1,200 brigades organised in 21 districts; of the 1200 brigades, more than 800 are part of the “Forest Industry Brigade”, a subgroup of the CFA that works in sustainable forest management.
Last year, the Traralgon Men’s Shed received the Responsible Wood Community Grants program for a project to construct eight bench seats and eight picnic tables for the Gippsland CFA.
According to Lyn Matthews, “The bench seats and picnic tables will be a long-lasting benefit to the CFA volunteers across Gippsland, and members will continue to make items for CFA as funding becomes available.”
Ms Matthews, the Secretary and Treasurer of the Men’s Shed said the project was a win-win.
“Our members provided their time and abilities to make the furniture items, and they donated them to the CFA brigades.”
She said members value the CFA volunteers who donate their time assisting the community and “have not forgotten the CFA volunteer’s dedication and commitment to the fires of 2019/2020.”
The Black Summer bushfires burned through vast land areas and destroyed many park facilities in east Gippsland.
By the time the fires burnt out, four people had perished, 1,363,100 hectares were severely damaged, and hundreds of houses were destroyed.
Despite the name, the Traralgon Men’s Shed is open to men and women and offers individuals a place to engage in hands-on activities and interact with others.
“By doing so, we can develop a sense of meaning and value around completing projects in the Shed.”
Through shared experiences, members build a network of emotional support and develop a sense of belonging. Ms Matthews says, “The health and wellbeing aspect of the ‘Men’s Shed’ is perhaps its greatest benefit.”
The Responsible Wood Community Grants Program is back for 2023/24
The Responsible Wood Community Grants program is back for another year and is looking to build on the success of last year’s program.
For 2023/24, Responsible Wood will provide grants of between $2,000 and $15,000 to community groups across Australia, with a total of $40,000 to be made available for the program.
Since its launch in August 2020, the Responsible Wood Community Grants Program has connected with more than 50 community groups related to Australian-certified forests.
Responsible Wood Community Grants Manager Jason Ross said the scope for the community projects is open, encouraging communities to think about their needs, consult with a Responsible Wood-certified Forest grower, develop a project idea, and apply by November 3, 2023.
“If you have a project, please contact us, and we will connect you with a Responsible Wood certified forest manager or certified holder,” Mr Ross said.
“All applicants need to be supported or sponsored by a Responsible Wood-certified forest manager or certificate holder, and we can encourage partner contributions where appropriate.”
Tony Bartlett, Responsible Wood Chair, will head the judging panel, which includes Jacquie Martin, CEO of Forestry Australia, who will assess and judge all applicants.
The key dates include:
- September 4 – November 3: The formal application process opens
- In early December, applicants will be notified of their application status
- Early February – formal announcement of successful recipients
- May 31, 2024, projects are developed and completed
