A one-off women’s welding workshop in Romsey has sparked huge interest with 70 locals now on a waiting list to try their hand at the trade.
High demand for the Romsey Neighbourhood House offering has since led to a series of new welding workshops and the team has Bendigo TAFE Community Services student Danielle Stanton to thank for identifying the need.
The Malmsbury local created the workshop as part of her work placement at the Neighbourhood House and was delighted to help deliver a worthwhile program.
“We found that we had a lot of interest from women in the farming community,” she said.
“I never expected that there would be so much interest. It’s a major shock to the system.”
Her father Graham Stanton, a qualified TAFE instructor, runs the workshops which began at the weekend.
Romsey Neighbourhood House coordinator Michelle Balthazar said the call for interest in the workshop had helped to identify a need in the community that had led to a worthwhile program.
“We’re in a semi-rural area and women want the skills to be able to do these things,” she said.
“We know the demand is definitely here but we don’t have a community space to run these programs.”
Romsey Engineering has donated use of its space until the group finds a new home. BOC Gas has also been a huge sponsor: donating two welders and offering showbags for participants.
Ms Balthazar said the neighbourhood house was in the process of applying for ‘Pick My Project’ funding for a new community shed to host a range of workshops and community activities including ‘Sheilas in the Shed’ and basic car-maintenance courses.
Three workshops are now being offered once a month. There will be welding courses for intermediate and sculpture.
For full details, or to register your interest, contact Michelle Balthazar at Romsey Neighbourhood House on 5429 6724.
