Women in a fix

By Alison Noonan
SISTERS are doing it for themselves at the Blind Bight Community Centre.
Changing a spark plug in a motor, fixing the washer in a tap and plastering a hole in the roof will be a breeze for women in Casey’s coastal villages when a new home maintenance course kicks off early next month.
Run by former trade teacher and local ‘handyman’ Bob O’Connell, participants will be taught all the tricks of the trade.
“At the end of this course, they will be able to fix anything that needs fixing around the house,” Mr O’Connell said.
“From changing a spark plug to basic welding skills, these women will be able to do it all themselves.”
Mr O’Connell said local women had long been calling for a handyman course.
He said he was excited to get the program up and running.
“A lot of people in the community approach us to learn something like this,” he said.
Blind Bight Community Centre coordinator Sonja Bertram said the course would empower women in the community and give them a greater sense of independence.
“A lot of women, including single parents, widows and those with working husbands, are trying to become more independent,” she said. “You can’t always call a tradesman for every little thing and taking on these jobs themselves will save time and money.”
Anyone wishing to enrol in the home maintenance course, starting on 10 August, should contact Sonja at the Blind Bight Community Centre on 5998 7014.