Copper City Men's Shed in Cobar Men's Shed is prepared for the summer temperatures after recently receiving $4200 toward air conditioning.

Aurelia Metals who operate the Peak Mine in the northern Cobar Basin along with the Hera site – also located in the northern Cobar Basin – which transitioned to care and maintenance in April 2023, have had a long time partnership with the group.

Copper City Men’s Shed Committee Secretary, Gordon Hill said the Men's Shed has 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,” Mr Hill said.

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. The members are active in the community, selling firewood, creating Christmas items and turning wooden pallets into a whole range of useful items including teepees for the local Pre-school.

An Aurelia spokesperson said the company was proud of its involvement with the enthusiastic group.

"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," the spokesperson said. "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"

Tony Punzet – who has been the Copper City Men’s Shed Committee Treasurer since its inception – explained 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," he said. “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 which has helped them purchase a metal lathe, roller shutter cupboards and the new air conditioning.

“The air conditioning unit will improve access to the Shed, particularly for our older members, in the summer months when temperatures can reach over 40 degrees,” Mr Punzet 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."