Handy skills for the DIY Lady

A three-hour do-it-yourself plumbing workshop for women was held last Friday at Mingaletta in Umina, co-hosted by Jenn Rochford, Founder of Benchworks.

31 May 2023

 

MEMBER for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, says she is thrilled to see a DIY workshop being held for Central Coast women and congratulates Jenn and the Umina Community group for this 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,” she said.

 

Participants in the workshop learnt the essential jobs like how to change a tap washer and how to stop a leaking cistern. They also learnt what questions to ask the plumber so that they know they’re getting the best bang for their buck.

 

“By learning to change their own tap washers the ladies can save $320!” said volunteer trainer Ian Campbell, who was also accompanied by his son Shane.

 

Jenn Rochford started this endeavour from her own heart, originally aiming at providing a safe place for women who have experienced domestic violence, but due to popular demand, she now opens up these workshops to all women.

 

Jenn said, “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.”

 

Benchworks also holds other DIY workshops including indoor painting and car maintenance. These workshops are a safe space for women of all ages and backgrounds and Jenn encourages a fun place to learn and explore.

 

Helen Stenbeck, one of the workshop participants 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.”

 

Ms Tesch said, “I am so thrilled to see community members grab these opportunities and happy that community members are sharing their skills whilst empowering other women.

 

“This is what community is all about.”

 

For further information on upcoming workshops email benchworks@uminacommunitygroup.com.au or join their Facebook Group.