Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields—Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building, and Minister for Corrections) — The Macquarie Fields Men's Shed is a thriving hub for companionship and purpose. The shed has been at its spacious new location at Macquarie Reserve for two years, enabling the group to flourish and supporting the development of a bountiful vegetable garden. More recently, the shed completed a project to build 40 wooden crosses for Bardia Public School's Memorial Garden for commemoration ceremonies such as ANZAC Day. For more than 10 years, the Men's Shed has supported Operation Christmas Child through the charity Samaritan's Purse. This year, the men built 2,500 miniature chalkboards and wooden toy cars to be included in shoeboxes for distribution to children in need around the world. The Men's Shed recently partnered with Macquarie Fields Salvation Army to build customised donation boxes in the lead-up to Christmas. Offering a safe space for men from all walks of life to connect, the Macquarie Fields Men's Shed fosters friendships, knowledge-sharing, and positive relationships. I commend Phil Watt and the team at Macquarie Fields Men's Shed on their wonderful work in our community, and I look forward to many more visits.
20 November 2025

