The Belconnen Community Men’s Shed has repurposed weathered wood from the National Arboretum’s visitors’ deck into a brand new picnic area. Photo: National Arboretum Canberra.
The Belconnen Community Men’s Shed has given the National Arboretum’s weathered visitors’ deck new life by repurposing its wood into a brand new picnic area.
The popular deck at the Arboretum had been retired for some time after nearly 10 years of service, with exposure to the elements causing much of the wood to weather away and deteriorate.
Despite being unfit for use as a deck, the Belconnen Community Men’s Shed didn’t want to let the old wood go to waste; they saw a new way for visitors to enjoy the Arboretum.
After a few weeks of work, the Men’s Shed returned to the Arboretum and presented the old wood as a brand new picnic installation, now positioned just down the road from the centre.
“While some areas of the original decking had reached the end of their service life, sections protected by the Visitor Centre roof remained in good condition, although of low financial value,” a National Arboretum spokesperson said.
“Recognising an opportunity to support circular economy principles, the Arboretum donated the reusable timber to the Belconnen Community Men’s Shed.
“The Men’s Shed volunteers transformed the reclaimed timber into a beautifully crafted picnic setting, which has now been returned to the Arboretum and installed on the Events Terrace for visitors to enjoy. The Arboretum didn’t have any agreement or expectation that the Men’s Shed would produce a picnic setting.
“All around, it’s just a great outcome.”
Members of the Belconnen Community Men’s Shed enjoying the labours of their work. Photo: National Arboretum Canberra.
While the old wood is gone, the visitors’ deck has been replaced and is once again operational.
“The decking replacement also provided an opportunity to enhance the site with sustainably sourced spotted gum hardwood, selected for its durability and natural appearance, which complements the Arboretum’s landscape and architectural character,” the National Arboretum Canberra said.
“This project demonstrates the value of community and sustainable thinking. By repurposing materials that still had useful life remaining, we were able to reduce waste and create a lasting benefit for visitors.
“The timber donation was made to a not-for-profit community organisation as part of the Arboretum’s commitment to sustainability, disposal policy (ethical, economic, and environmental considerations) and responsible resource management.”
Moving forward, the National Arboretum said it will consider other ways to recycle materials once they reach the end of their lives.
“Similar opportunities to repurpose materials and support community groups will continue to be considered on a case-by-case basis, ensuring valuable resources can be reused wherever practical and beneficial,” the National Arboretum said.
“A simple deck replacement has become a great example of sustainability, craftsmanship and community spirit, creating a lasting legacy from materials that might otherwise have gone to waste.”
