The primary aim of the Deniliquin Women’s Shed is to promote active minds, while also providing a social outlet and an opportunity to support their community.
Co-founded by Marcia Kennedy and Diane Field, the group’s first project is to make face masks to be sold by and raise money for the The Community Op Shop at St Paul’s Anglican Church.
‘‘We’re only starting small as we can only have a group of 10 people at the moment,’’ Mrs Kennedy said.
‘‘It has started as a group of friends getting together to do sewing and anything else local women are interested in doing, but eventually we would like to grow it once the Coronavirus pandemic eases off.
‘‘Our main concern is for women’s mental health, particularly with the tough times we’re all going through with the pandemic right now.
‘‘We want to provide a supportive environment where women can get together and have a good time.’’
The Women’s Shed will meet at St Paul’s Anglican Church, but the long term aim for the group to have its own building.
Mrs Kennedy said while some sewing machines are going to be set up at the church, the group will need more in order to cater for everyone.
‘‘Our current focus is to help our community cope with the demand for fabric face masks,’’ she said.
‘‘We have started setting up our Women’s Shed space and our first session will be a sewing bee to make the masks.
‘‘These masks will be sold at a very reasonable price at The Community Op Shop, with the money raised going towards the church and Deniliquin Rotary Club.
‘‘If there is anyone out there that could possibly donate sewing machines in working order it would be of great help. We are also looking for more donations of elastic, sewing cotton and cotton fabrics.’’
While numbers are limited to attend the sewing bee, Mrs Kennedy is hopeful that others can get involved at home.
‘‘We’re wanting to put homework packs together so people can sew masks or patterns at home,’’ she said.
‘‘Any support in any way is always welcome, so if you’re able to help us out please contact the Deniliquin Women’s Shed Facebook page.’’
■ Anyone requiring crisis support can contact NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
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