A LOCAL organisation has been given $10,000 to help establish a marine Men’s Shed in Port Macquarie.
THE Minister for Healthy Lifestyles, Kevin Humphries, and Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams, made the announcement during a visit to the Mid North Coast Maritime Museum’s Hibbard Drive site.
“The members do a fantastic job and are dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the maritime history of the local area and Australia’s maritime history more generally,” Mrs Williams said.
“At the Hibbard boatyard and slipway the members restore and maintain the small fleet and work on other projects.
“The workers who are involved in these activities are all volunteers. They come from a variety of backgrounds, many have trade qualifications, some have experience as business owners, some have been involved in the armed forces. Others have been referred to the museum by Centrelink.
“Many participate simply because they have an interest in boats or because in their former lives they worked on the water.
“Given the importance of our oceans and rivers to the discovery, early commerce and ongoing development of our nation, their work is not only worthwhile, but a vital contribution.”
Mrs Williams said the minister was particularly impressed with the work being carried out and glad to support the organisation with the $10,000 funding, which would go a long way to finishing the Men’s Shed.
She said the Maritime Museum was also in need of a secondhand outboard motor and if anyone could help out it would be appreciated.
