News of the Area has donated a new medium-density Thicknesser to Bulahdelah Men’s Shed in appreciation of their hard work in building the newsstands for the paper.

The high-quality modern newsstands are used everywhere from Nelson Bay to Hawks Nest, Bulahdelah to Medowie, Karuah to Salt Ash and everywhere in between.

Men’s Shed member Max Burrows said all their members contributed to the project.

“We work as a team and everyone chipped in and put effort into building the newsstands,” he said.

“We like to get involved and it was good to do something for the community in this way.”

The men commenced the project in 2015 and Mr Burrows said they have lost track of the number of stands they have built.

“We did the first 20 last year and it’s gradually expanded from there,” he said.

“We don’t have timeframes, our jobs take as long as they take.”

The Men’s Shed is a registered health promotion charity and supports programs to improve men’s health and wellbeing in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Mr Burrows said the newsstand project provided a means of getting together and doing something constructive for the community.

“There’s the social element as well, if it’s too hot we have a cup of tea, if it’s too cold we shut the door and play cards,” he said.

“It’s all about the health of our members.”

The new piece of machinery arrived at the shed last week and will greatly assist the members with their woodworking projects.

In addition to the newsstands, members are also currently involved in building bee boxes and model boats.

“Our whole aim is about self, the support of our members and supporting the community,” Mr Burrows said.

“We’re very pleased to have access to modern and good quality tools so we’re very appreciative of the new Thicknesser, there’s much benefit to us,” he added.

By Daniel SAHYOUN