RSL grant supports Girls on Tools

Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL) has welcomed a $5353 Community Grant from Phillip Island RSL for its popular Girls on Tools (GoTs) program.

The grant allows for important investment in the safety and future of the course.

The funds were used to purchase two ceiling-mounted dust extraction systems and a new bench saw featuring an advanced safety system that automatically stops the blade if it comes into contact with skin.

These purchases have helped to create a safer, healthier workshop environment for both participants and volunteers.

Operating from PICAL's Blue Gum Reserve site at 119 Settlement Road, Cowes, GoTs is a volunteer-led, hands-on woodworking and DIY program designed to build women's confidence using tools in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment.

The program has been running for two and a half years and has welcomed more than 100 women through its doors.

It currently offers courses on Wednesday mornings and evenings, as well as an open shed on Tuesday evenings and Friday mornings for women who want to continue with their projects or start new ones with guidance from experienced volunteers.

Demand for GoTs continues to grow - every course is fully booked and there is a waitlist of women who are eager to participate.

"Everything we do at PICAL is about building a supportive community that is connected, resourceful and caring," explains PICAL Centre Manager David Rooks.

"This grant from the RSL is testament to that. It shows how we're working together as a community to enrich lives through practical support, social connection and learning."

David adds that the new equipment will allow GoTs to continue to grow while also ensuring that participant safety remains a priority.

"We're very grateful to Phillip Island RSL for their support.

These safety upgrades will allow more women to learn practical skills with confidence in a safe and supported environment.

It also helps us to strengthen a program that not only teaches woodworking and DIY skills but builds friendships, confidence and community connections."

Many women leave GoTs with the confidence to complete projects around their own homes, while others pass their new skills on to family members, including their children.

Girls on Tools is led and facilitated by nine dedicated volunteers who generously give their time, share their knowledge and encourage participants every step of the way.

Mark Lyford, GoTs volunteer, says that the experience is rewarding for everyone involved.

"It's great working alongside the GoTs participants. They bring a creative and refreshing approach to their individual projects, which is often quite different from our traditional designs. We learn from each other."

PICAL also acknowledges the support of Bass Coast Shire Council through a community grant that has funded the installation of new workshop shelving.

The additional storage has helped create a more organised and functional workspace, providing dedicated areas for participants to safely store their projects as they progress through GoTs.

The shelving will also benefit PICAL's popular Fix it Cafe, improving the shared workshop space used by both community initiatives.