Bringing community together

By Kelly Carmody

Aug 7, 2024

Murchison Men’s Shed president Dennis McCullagh proudly standing in front of the Murchison Primary School’s new FoodShare Station, which Men’s Shed members recently completed. Photo by Kelly Carmody

Donate, swap or take what you need is the idea behind Murchison Primary School’s recently completed FoodShare Station.

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It is a clever and thoughtful initiative that was brought to life by the Year 5 and 6 students, with a little bit of building help from Murchison Men’s Shed members.

The collaboration was a huge success, and after a few months, the school’s FoodShare Station is now complete.

Murchison Primary School’s FoodShare Station is designed for families and students to donate, swap or take what they need. Photo by Kelly Carmody

Set up every Friday in front of the school, the station encourages students and families to take what they need, donate what they don’t, or make a swap.

Principal Michelle Duke praised the initiative for bringing school families together.

“At this point, it’s just outside every Friday, but we always accept donations within the school, and they’re always available if our families need anything,” Mrs Duke said.

“It looks wonderful, and we are so lucky to have had the help from the Men’s Shed.”

Murchison Primary School Year 6 students Wally Ewart, Matilda Wilson, Hayden Chetkett, Lexi Kitos, Zara Stumps and Stella Balmer with Murchison Men’s Shed president Dennis McCullagh. Photo by Kelly Carmody

The station offers fresh fruit, herbs and spices, vegetables and even books.

Murchison Men’s Shed president Dennis McCullagh said members were pleased with the result and that it was already being used.

Sharing is caring. Photo by Kelly Carmody

Year 6 Murchison Primary School student Wally Ewart all ready to tuck into a watermelon. Photo by Kelly Carmody

Take your pick. Fresh fruit on offer. Photo by Kelly Carmody

“It took about four members to complete over a few months of working on it between many other jobs,” Mr McCullagh said.

“It’s nice and colourful and really stands out. The kids did an impressive job with their original design, and it’s been a really nice to work with the students.

“We are very happy to have helped out our little community school.”

The Murchison Men’s Shed currently has 17 members and is looking for more men to join.

The shed is open on Wednesdays, with Mr McCullagh emphasising that it is more than just a place to make things.

“It’s about men’s health and men being there for each other, not just to fix or make things,” he said.

“We organise social events as well, and we have wood workshops, metal and mechanical. There is a recreation room, a kitchen, a TV and even a pool table.

“It’s a great place to make new friends and get out of the house if you’re just sitting at home not knowing what to do.

“And you can be a part of special community projects like this that really mean a lot to many.”

For more information on joining the Murchison Men’s Shed, call Mr McCullagh on 0428 148 210.