Ladies learn to do it themselves

A three-hour do-it-yourself plumbing workshop for women was held at Mingaletta in Umina Beach on Friday, May 19, cohosted by Benchworks founder Jenn Rochford. Participants in the workshop learnt essential jobs like how to change a tap washer and how to stop a leaking cistern. They also learnt what questions to ask the plumber so that they know they’re getting the best bang for their buck.

“By learning to change their own tap washers the ladies can save $320,” said volunteer trainer Ian Campbell, who was accompanied by his son Shane. Rochford started the endeavour to provide a safe place for women who have experienced domestic violence, but due to popular demand has now opened up the workshops to all women.

“Women are often lower income earners, time poor, have less access to resources, are mums and/or single mums,” she said. “They want to feel empowered to fix things themselves around their own homes.”

Benchworks also holds other DIY workshops including indoor painting and car maintenance. They are a safe space for women of all ages and backgrounds – a fun place to learn and explore.

Workshop participant Helen Stenbeck said she attended because she wanted to learn something out of her comfort zone.

“I also wanted to be a good role model for my daughter and show her that plumbing can be a life skill everyone can learn,” she said.

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch congratulated Rochford and the Umina Community group for the initiative.

“It is important to open up affordable opportunities for