After having to move to different locations to hold their craft and woodwork workshops over the past six years, the Port Macquarie Women's Shed is now a step closer to having their very own shed to call home.
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The group started in late 2015 after a call-out on social media for like-minded women to meet and learn new skills was answered.
Since then, the women have had to move six times as they have never had a shed to call their own.
"We have been operating out of the Lion's Den on Hastings River Drive for a while now, but we are only renting it a few days a month at the moment," Port Macquarie Women's Shed president Jennifer Tighe said.
"A few of us were having lunch at the Hibbard Sports Club a while ago and I happened to ask the manager if he had any land he could spare and he said he did, so it just progressed from there.
The group has submitted a DA to council and is now waiting for it to be approved.
"If it's approved, the shed will be built near the Hydro Golf & Putt Putt. We spent several months working on the plans for the shed and we will have space for a woodwork section, a plants and painting section as well as a sewing area," Jennifer said.
The Women's Shed, while prompting members to learn new skills, also aims to improve the mental health of its members.
"We do have a lot of women who have joined that are now on their own and use the time to socialise while learning new skills. We make sure to organise lunches as a catch-up as well."
Jennifer said the goal is to have the shed up and running by this time next year.
"We're busy applying for grants at the moment to hopefully get the shed built," she said.
"We have 46 members involved in the Women's Shed now and I think that number will grow when we have our own space to operate out of.
"We're now focusing on getting the word out there about what we do and get more people involved.
Hopefully the group will grow and become bigger and better. We're very grateful for the land and are looking forward to having our own place."
Locals can find out more information about the Port Macquarie Women's Shed by visiting their website or Facebook group.
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