A GROUND-BREAKING initiative is giving Ipswich women the opportunity to develop practical skills in woodworking and home maintenance.
The Ladies Tool School, launched in late May 2024, has grown from an initial group of 10 attendees to about 30 women who participate regularly.
One of the enthusiastic participants, Suzette Woolley, expressed her gratitude for the program.
“Tool School for ladies is important to me, because as a child I never had the opportunity to do manual arts,” Ms Woolley said.
“Now, as a 60-year-old woman, I have the chance to learn these valuable skills.
“The men who teach us are patient and thorough, and we’re learning to fix and re-do all those jobs around the house that we never knew how to tackle.”
The idea for the program emerged after members of the Beacon Community Men’s Shed showcased their woodworking skills at the Ipswich Show and Riverlink Shopping Centre over the past three years.
Many visitors admired the craftsmanship and inquired whether women could join the sessions.
While the initial response was “no”, the committee took a vote, and members overwhelmingly supported the creation of a dedicated program for women on a separate day.
Notably, many men in the group enthusiastically volunteered as trainers, eager to share their expertise.
The program has since flourished, with participants using the space to learn tool safety, complete home repairs, and even restore small furniture pieces. While some women attend weekly, others drop in when they have a specific project to work on or when time permits.
To ensure accessibility and ease of use, the Tool School invested in $3500 worth of battery-powered tools and essential equipment, funded through a Federal Government grant.
Battery tools were chosen for their lighter weight, portability, and safety advantages over traditional power tools requiring extension cords.
The Beacon Community Men’s Shed recently acquired a wide range of Ozito battery tools from Bunnings, which has been instrumental in helping participants gain confidence in repairs and maintenance.
As the program continues to grow, the women have progressed beyond basic skills and are now working on creative new projects, demonstrating the success of this empowering initiative.
