Men’s Sheds share timbers from storied Port service jetty

Bunbury, Harvey, Brunswick Junction and Waroona men’s sheds have each been donated timbers set aside during the demolitions of the 800m² service jetty.

Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said donating the timbers to local men’s sheds seemed a natural fit when plans for demolition were being made.

“We knew that while some of the timbers had weathered beyond repair, other parts of the structure remained high quality,” Mr Wilks said.

“Donating materials for community projects is always a preferred option on projects like this because we minimise waste and create value for our communities.

“These donations build on our existing positive partnerships with our local Men’s Sheds developed though our Community Investment Program and other material donations over a long period.”

Constructed in the late 1960s, the jetty at the Southern Ports’ Bunbury outer harbour has been carefully demolished in recent months with timbers in suitable condition set aside during the process.

Following an opportunity for Men’s Shed representatives to inspect the timbers, Southern Ports divided the wood between the groups and delivered it directly to the sheds for use in projects set to benefit the wider community.

Brunswick Junction Community Men’s Shed president Peter Lafferty said many members of the group were lining up work with the timbers.

“Donations of hardwood are always exciting for our members, and we’ve already got plans for some great looking, high quality park benches,” he said.

“We’ll also be setting a fair bit aside for future projects that community groups might approach us about.

“It’s always something special to work with wood that has a story behind it and our whole group is thankful that Southern Ports was committed to saving as much as it could to be repurposed.”

The donations build on Southern Ports’ commitment to developing lasting community partnerships, which also includes its organisation-wide annual Community Investment Program, the Steve Lewis Regional Scholarship, and major partnership with Foodbank WA.

Demolition of the jetty coincides with the construction of new pilot boat pontoon at the Port’s Inner Harbour as well as the State Government’s Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project, which includes upgrades to Casuarina Boat Harbour adjoining the Port’s outer harbour.