South West Men’s Shed gets cutting-edge technology investment

A major South West Men’s Shed has seen major investment these past months, getting new cutting-edge technology and sustainable power generation to secure the shed’s future.

The Leschenault Men’s Shed recently acquired a new welder for its metal shed courtesy of mining company South32 and a new solar panel array through the support from the Shire of Harvey.

It has received a new CNC machine courtesy of Albemarle, which shed president Paul Fonck said would allow members to preform precise cuts, giving them the ability to make toys and decorative items.

Mr Fonck said the new welder was a great addition to the new metal workshop, giving members a modern and safe tool.

“We can give back to the community, if someone has something unique and then it fails, we have the capacity to repair it,” he said.

“We’ve had people coming in from the street with small repairs — we’ve already had two mobile scooters coming in needing a bit of welding.”

The new array of solar panels has saved the shed $300 a month on its electricity bill, Mr Fonck said, a saving which makes their new equipment more sustainable.

An Albemarle spokesperson said the company was proud to support the Leschenault Men’s Shed through its 2024 community grants program along with 27 other South West community and not-for-profit organisations.

“One of the purposes of Albemarle’s community grants program is to support activities that provide community connection,” the spokesperson said.

“The Leschenault Men’s Shed does a great job of bringing people together and contributes to the local community with its crafted goods.”

A South 32 spokesperson said the shed’s new welding equipment would provide the opportunity to expand the shed’s services.

“Since opening its doors approximately 10 years ago, the Leschenault Men’s Shed has provided a valuable space for men to go and share stories and work on their projects and hobbies, and South32 saw value in helping to grow and expand the opportunities for its members and surrounding community,” the spokesperson said.

“We are obviously delighted to see that the Men’s Shed have purchased their welding equipment and it is well regarded by its members.”

Harvey shire president Michelle Campbell said the solar panels were one of the many “bright ideas” funded through the shire’s 2024 community grants program.

“This year, the Leschenault Men’s Shed was one of 18 local groups that received a Shire of Harvey grant, delivered in partnership with Alcoa,” Cr Campbell said.

“We know the Men’s Shed works with a lot of donated wood, so it is fantastic to see members expand their sustainability efforts with this new solar project.”