The Guyra Men’s Shed will be installing a new rooftop solar power system thanks to a State Government grant.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall visited the shed recently to deliver the good news that they’d been successful in their application for grant worth $17,765 to install the system on their new shed.
Mr Marshall said the Men’s Shed had made several attempts in the past to secure solar panel funding and he was delighted that the NSW Community Building Partnership program had come through for them.
“Rising electricity prices is the single biggest threat to the viability and future of the Guyra Men’s Shed,” Mr Marshall said.
“Every project they work on uses large machines which consume a lot of power.
“With a large rooftop solar system, the Shed’s total daily electricity consumption should be met by the panels and if reasonable feed in tariffs continue, the total electricity account should be offset too.”
Mr Marshall said the Guyra Men’s Shed currently had more than 20 local and active members, however, their projects benefited a much wider section of the community.
“The Men’s Shed plays a vital role in the mental health and general wellbeing of the Guyra community – and they’re always looking for more members,” Mr Marshall said.
“The shed has recently been expanded and soon they will also occupy the old SES building for a women’s program, thanks to a previous grant of $234,500.”
Guyra Men’s Shed President John Jackson said his members were very pleased they’d secured the funding for the panels.
“We’ve been concerned for some time – the power bill continues to rise year by year and it’s a relief that we now won’t have to scale back on projects and can continue to meet community requests for assistance,” Mr Jackson said.
“We have engaged a local contractor and he will be ready to start on the installation of the panels very soon.”
Image: Guyra Adult Learning Association President Robin Godlonton, left, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Men’s Shed members Phil Williams, Richard Navin (seated), Armidale Regional Councillor Steve Mepham, Campbell Wolfenden, Guyra Men’s Shed President John Jackson, David Mackay and Peter Brazier. (Supplied)
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