Tool Library seeks workshop ideas

THE Ballarat Tool Library has received a grant from the Ballarat Foundation to facilitate skills workshops.

Committee member Jay Morrison said the organisation is seeking community feedback about what kinds of sessions they would like to see, and what skills they’re keen to learn.

“Our priority is to run in-person workshops in our Ballarat Tool Library space at Barkly Square, and the interest that we’ve already received been really interesting and telling,” he said.

“We had a fantastic message from a woman who was chatting with her friends. They’re all in their late-50s, are recently single, and all have lost access to basic tools that their partners took with them.

“With no children at home either, they need to learn some basic skills; how to use a drill, what screws to use for little jobs around the house… They’re excited for the workshops so they can learn skills to care for their house, and that’s going to be a key demographic.”

Having launched in February, Mr Morrison said Ballarat Tool Library’s membership is skewing female, and that the committee is made up of mostly women in their 40s and 50s.

“It’s fantastic. A space that is a safe for people to come in and learn basic skills is vital.”

The Ballarat Tool Library has 80 members and expects to pass their target of 88 by the end of the year. By the middle of 2022, the committee’s goal is to reach 200 members.

Over 570 tools are now part of the library, with a backlog of further donations that will be tested and registered when COVID-safe to do so.

“We continue to receive donations, but we were also lucky to receive a grant from the City of Ballarat to purchase brand new tools including an electric chainsaw, mower, welder, sewing machines, and overlockers,” Mr Morrison said.

The organisation is currently offering a safe click and collect service on Saturdays under COVID-19 restrictions.

Out of lockdown, they open on Tuesdays and Saturdays, inviting potential members to meet the crew and join up. Visit ballarattoollibrary.org/workshops to complete the workshop survey.