Batchfire helps Men’s Shed upgrade facility

Batchfire donated $5,000 to the growing Callide Valley Men’s Shed, to help fund a new shed and support mental health awareness in the Biloela community.

Batchfire recognises the tireless work the Callide Valley Men’s Shed does for mental health and community engagement, providing a safe space for locals to meet, chat, and learn new skills.

The Men’s Shed members had outgrown their existing premises, with limited space to store tools, timber, and machinery, so a new shed was on the cards to support continued growth.

Batchfire Resources stepped in to help, offering a $5,000 donation to help the local members construct an all-new, you-beaut shed, which was unveiled to the public at the annual Elders Charity Auction Dinner.

Batchfire Stakeholder and Land Tenure Consultant, Phillip Casey, presented the $5,000 cheque to Callide Valley Men’s Shed President, Graham Barnes, on the night on behalf of Batchfire Resources CEO, Allan Fidock.

“It takes a team to make projects like this work and Batchfire is very pleased to be involved,” Phillip said.

“Currently with more than 1,250 people are employed at the mine, we would like to see them all retire in this community. Organisations like the Men’s Shed will keep people here and keep people involved in their community.”

The ceremonial ribbon cutting for the new shed was taken care of by local Mayor, Nev Ferrier, who joined to celebrate the grand opening.

The night was filled with accounts of how the Men’s Shed had helped locals, serving as an invaluable mental health resource and forging lifelong friendships.

Local ‘Shedder’, Roger Van Itallie, took the floor to talk about how the Men’s Shed ‘gives blokes a purpose in life’ and a ‘reason to get out of bed in the morning’.

It isn’t just men who benefit from the Men’s Shed though, with plenty of women, like Gail Rodda, taking part in the Ladies Group.

“We include members of all abilities, ages, race and gender,” Gail said.

“It’s not just about making things. It’s about providing members of our community with a respectful and safe place, where they can gather with like-minded people and have a yarn, sit and watch the world go by, or seek help for something that’s going on in their life.

“It’s not unusual for a member to go and help a fellow Shedder with a job or visit them in hospital or take them to a medical appointment.”

After countless yarns shared across the table throughout the dinner, the Elders Annual Auction took place with all proceeds going to the Men’s Shed.

To find out more about Batchfire you can connect with us on LinkedIn or contact us here.