Do-it-yourself plumbing workshop held for women
A three-hour do-it-yourself plumbing workshop for women was held last Friday, May 19, at Mingaletta in Umina.
It was co-hosted by Ms Jenn Rochford, founder of Benchworks.
Participants in the workshop were shown how to change a tap washer and how to stop a leaking cistern.
They were also told what questions to ask the plumber so that they knew they were "getting the best bang for their buck".
"By learning to change their own tap washers, they can save $320," said volunteer trainer Mr Ian Campbell, who was accompanied by his son Shane.
Ms Rochford started the endeavour, originally aiming at providing a safe place for women who had experienced domestic violence, but due to popular demand, the workshops were now open to all women.
"Women are often lower income earners, time poor, have less access to resources, are mums and/or single mums.
"They want to feel empowered to fix things themselves around their own homes," said Ms Rochford.
Benchworks also holds other workshops, including indoor painting and car maintenance. Workshop participant Ms Helen Stenbeck said: "I joined the workshop because I thought that it would be interesting to learn something outside of my comfort zone.
"I also wanted to be a good role model for my daughter and show her that plumbing can be a life skill everyone can learn."
Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch said she is thrilled to see a do-it-yourself workshop being held for Central Coast women.
She congratulated Ms Rochford and the Umina Community Group for the initiative.
"It is important to open up affordable opportunities for women to learn the basic skills to maintain their own homes to increase independence and not have to rely on others for assistance, especially when budgets are tight."
Ms Tesch said: "I am so thrilled to see community members grab these opportunities and happy that community members are sharing their skills while empowering other women.
"This is what community is all about," she says.
For further information on upcoming workshops email benchworks@uminacommunitygroup.com.au.
SOURCE:
Media release, 25 May 2023
Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford