Aurelia Metals’ support of the Copper City Men’s Shed

At Aurelia, our commitment to health and safety extends past the gates of our mines and to the communities we’re proud to be a part of. This includes helping safeguard the mental health of our community members through initiatives like our ongoing support of the Copper City Men’s Shed Cobar Inc.

Part of the ‘Australian Men’s Shed Association’, the Copper City Men’s Shed was established in 2012 following generous donations from the Cobar community – including from the Peak Mine. The latest of these donations was $4,400 to purchase an air conditioning unit for the facility.

Copper City Men’s Shed Cobar Committee Secretary, Gordon Hill spoke about the incorporation of the Cobar chapter and how it’s become an important part of the Cobar community.

“We commenced meeting in our current location in 2012 after initial meetings in 2010. Men’s Sheds bring men together, connecting them through meaningful woodworking, metalworking or other projects, in a safe and supportive environment. It also provides access to a range of services, particularly men’s health,” Gordon said.

Tony Punzet – who has been the Copper City Men’s Shed Committee Treasurer since its inception – went on to further explain how powerful the Shed has been in connecting people who would otherwise be isolated in the community.

“Back in 2010, we saw a lot of retirees and widowers in Cobar who wouldn’t leave their house except to get their morning paper.

“The Shed has given those men a place to go and feel connected. Some of our members come down and get stuck into woodworking and metalworking projects, others simply pop by for a cup of tea in the morning and talk to their mates. These opportunities for connectedness wouldn’t exist without the Shed,” Tony explained.

Gordon and Tony thanked Aurelia for the latest donation and its ongoing support of the Copper City Men’s Shed Cobar.

“We’re very grateful to receive our recent donation of $4,400 to purchase an air conditioning unit for our facility. It will improve access to the Shed, particularly for our older members, in the summer months when temperatures can reach over 40 degrees,” Tony said.

“Aurelia has been very supportive of the Men’s Shed in Cobar. Since 2012, we’ve received just under $30,000 from the Peak Mine and Aurelia. Their support has been integral in allowing us to continue providing Men’s Shed services in Cobar. Thank you Peak Mines, and thank you Aurelia,” Gordon concluded.

Follow this link to watch a short interview with Gordon and Tony.