
The Bargara Men’s Shed have been busy making Buddy Benches for local schools throughout the Burnett region.
Beautiful buddy benches have been delivered to schools throughout the region to encourage friendships in the playground and stamp out bullying, courtesy of Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett.
Mr Bennett enlisted the help of Bargara Men’s Shed to manufacture the wooden buddy benches, and members were on hand today to help deliver six benches to local schools.
Mr Bennett said the Buddy benches will provide students with a safe, comforting place to go when they are feeling lonely and in need of a friend.
“The Buddy Bench initiative is a simple concept, renowned for helping to create inclusive playgrounds,” Mr Bennett said.
“It’s great to see our schools getting behind the campaign to boost friendships and morale in the playground.
“Our local schools are doing a wonderful job in promoting anti-bullying messages and fostering inclusive friendships. These buddy benches compliment what the schools are already teaching in and outside of the classroom.
“Such a simple connect can do so much to boost confidence of a lonely child.”
Bargara Men’s Shed President Mike Brady said the Men’s Shed group was happy to be involved in the important project.
“When Mr Bennett first approached us to make the buddy benches and explained the cause, we jumped on board,” Mr Brady said.
“It’s a great concept and we were proud to be a part of the anti-bullying campaign.
“As a project for men’s shed, it’s a great help as it helps to bring us together in doing these jobs together.
“It’s not just one or two working on the project, there’s a lot of people involved. It’s one of the highlights of Mens’ sheds – to bring people together.”
Bargara State School received their Buddy Bench today from Mr Bennett and the Bargara Men’s Shed.
“Bargara State School is excited about the opportunity to have a buddy bench as it will be another step forward in strengthening the already positive student relationships within the school,” Principal Chris Norris said.
“At Bargara State School we support students to be highly effective people and the buddy bench will be a proactive strategy that students can use as well as a way that students can identify opportunities to synergise with others. A lovely strategy to make our school even better.”
ENDS.
14 November 2016