By Jessica Micallef
Women have powered together to build new skills.
The Romsey Neighbourhood House Women’s Chainsaw Group provides women with the opportunity to learn about chainsaw use and emergency safety.
House co-ordinator Michelle Balthazar said the three week course was “highly intensive”.
“Women undertook accredited training in chainsaw use,” she said.
“Another component was emergency fire prevention and resourcing women in high fire prone areas to be able to know what to do in terms of preparation and protecting their homes.
“They learnt how to start a fire pump, operate a generator [and] tying knots on trailers.
“The final component of the course was putting those skills in action with a chainsaw sculpting weekend.”
Ms Balthazar said the women felt “incredibly empowered” after completing the course.
“They’ve taken the challenge and conquered something that is absolutely terrifying such as using a chainsaw, to now feeling empowered to take on any other challenges in their life that they felt they couldn’t previously do,” she said.
The Romsey Neighbourhood House offers other courses for women and men to take part in.
“We run a shorter chainsaw course, for women and men, as well as welding courses, power tools and usage,” Ms Balthazar said.
“We’ve got a car maintenance course to learn how to service your car.
“We’re really passionate about upskilling people in the community.
“You really need to be resourced, given any scenario whether its evacuation or choosing to defend and what the true repercussions are.”
Details: 5429 6724
