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DEFENCE SHEDS
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
They dedicate their lives to protecting ours, but once they leave
the Defence force, many veterans can feel lost and unsure about
what to do with themselves.
Defence Shed Port Adelaide was established in 2015 to support
Defence and Emergency Service personnel and their families.
Chairman Ben Parkinson has served six Tours of Duty including
time in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.The mateship and
support he’s received through the program has helped to build
his confidence and assisted him to talk about his experiences
in the Air Force which resulted in his Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder.
Ben said, “I became involved after moving to Semaphore for
work and feeling isolated as I had no friends or family nearby.
Through the Defence Shed I have made new friends and found
purpose in my life to help others.”
The Defence Shed works alongside many organisations,
including the City of PAE, to provide meaningful projects that
give purpose and positive impact on the community.
“As well as supporting our members, we build relationships in
the local community which helps to improve social inclusion in
isolated individuals.”
“We have a high proportion of veterans living in the area,
making our city the perfect place for the pilot Defence Shed.”
“The way people get better is by getting up and doing things.
We are offering a safe way for people to start that process
surrounded by peers from many walks of life. From here we can
assist members to access appropriate support”.
The Defence Shed program is a new way of thinking about how
support is provided to veterans.They are based in the old fire
station pump house in Port Adelaide which members renovated
themselves. It is open to men and women of any age.
People not associated with Defence or emergency services are
welcome to volunteer. Donations of tools, pallets, camping gear,
fishing gear and draftsman chairs, as well as assistance from
tradespeople and corporate sponsorship. Other donations can
be offered by emailing
secretary@defenceshed.com.auGET CONNECTED AT
KILBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE
FreeWi-Fi is now available at Kilburn Community Centre, for
public use and you can download up to
1
GB per day.
This service is available through the Public Library, so you must
be a member to access it.With the OneCard Network, you can
access this service while at Kilburn Community Centre:
• Select WI-FI on your device
• Select Public-Library-RF and enter the network key
PublicLibrary
• Open your internet browser where you will be directed
to the User Login page
• Read the terms of agreement
• Enter your login details, which is your Library Barcode
beginning with X0 and your 4 digit pin password
If you don’t have a library card, there are library branches at
Greenacres, Enfield, Port Adelaide and Semaphore, so pop in
and sign up today.There are also seven computers located
at the centre, with volunteers available to assist.To make an
appointment contact the Kilburn Community Centre.
Come join us on Saturday 24 February to celebrate the
arrival of the the freeWi-Fi and Experience Café, which has
just opened at the Centre; and to check out and use the new
Computer room. There will also be a pop-up library, local
groups showcasing and you can have a go at some of the regular
activities held there.
YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS • SUMMER 2017 PAGE
Ben Parkinson at the Defence Shed
COMMUNITY
A City that supports
commu nity wellbeing