Women’s Shed continues to flourish

Since its early beginnings in 2020, the Namoi Women’s Shed has continued to flourish.

The strength of the Narrabri-based group is evident, through its many contributions to projects and organisations.

“This has all been about supporting each other,” Namoi Women’s Shed member Kylie Finlay said.

“The Women’s Shed has been great for personal growth.”

Contributions to the community, and local projects, have included the creation of Bluebelle which went on display at CREATE as well as decorative bunting for the Narrabri community garden.

Members have also been busily working on current projects, including aprons for Narrabri Public School as well as Christmas items in readiness for the festive season.

“The Women’s Shed promotes increased social connectivity,” Mrs Finlay said.

“It’s good for mental health.”

Christine Fry, Jill Clarke and Bron Clarke are pictured with the aprons crafted for Narrabri Public School.

Fellow Women’s Shed member Michelle Wheeler agrees and said it has been great in seeing women of different ages interacting with each other.

“It has been rewarding to see the contributions made to the community.”

The Namoi Women’s Shed was initiated by Trish Dandridge, with meetings held in 2020 leading up to its formation.

It started as a joint community initiative between the Community College Northern Inland and Challenge Narrabri Recycling Centre, supported by Narrabri Shire Council.

The group got its official start out at Challenge and eventually found a new home in the old Mitre 10 on Barwan Street.

The response to the group’s formation was overwhelming and it has continued to be well-supported.

Members are often seen busily toiling away on projects on a Saturday, and with the weather warming up will now also work at the shed on a Thursday evening.

Pictured on the front page of today’s Courier is one of the group’s lengthy projects which is nearing completion.

The mosaic was started in its early days and depicts local attractions as well as agricultural industries.

The expertise of member and mosaic artist Awan Eveleigh has proven invaluable in assisting members with putting together this masterpiece.

Michelle Wheeler, Christine Fry, Bron Clarke, Kylie Finlay and Janet Pope hold some of the Christmas wares which will be sold at events, including the Narrabri Rotary Markets.

“We hope to put on a glass top and make it a table,” Mrs Finlay said.

With more and more projects on the go, the Women’s Shed may also need to find a bigger home so it can continue to grow.

“We have people often donating items,” Mrs Finlay said.

“People have also donated some of the equipment.”

Organised classes also are a highlight and offer the Women’s Shed a chance to learn new skills.

“We have different classes we would like to run as well,” she said.

“A majority of our members still work to some extent.”

Reflecting on the community support and response to their projects, Mrs Finlay thanked the Narrabri community.

“It’s been really positive,” she said.