Kathy Ehmann from Canberra Toolbox says everyone is invited to the group’s third birthday this Saturday, 23 November. Photo: Supplied.
When Kathy Ehmann moved to Canberra from the family farm about eight years ago, she left a lot of things behind with which she had a strong connection, but few so important as the tools in her shed.
Moving into an ex-govvy in Canberra, Kathy soon found she needed “her stuff” to get things done, but like many people, she didn’t want to fork out big money for tools or equipment that she would probably only use once or twice.
The answer, she thought, would be to share resources, to set up a library-style system where people could borrow what they needed for a project and then return it so someone else could use it – no waste and just a small membership fee to belong.
People sharing things is far from new, but at the time, it was a first for Canberra.
So Kathy started looking for premises and for a team to help make her dream come true. In 2021, she was approached by SEE Change to discuss collaboration on the project and Community Toolbox Canberra was born.
The plan then, as it is today, is to provide a wide range of tools and other equipment for whoever needs them. Rather than buying expensive equipment for a one-off job, people can borrow whatever is needed and return it when the job is completed.
“The Canberra Toolbox opened its doors in November 2021,” Kathy said.
“Since then, we’ve sent out more than 7000 loans to 600 members for all sorts of projects and adventures.”
Lawnmowers, she said, were the most popular “tools” along with trimmers, especially in the summer months. But she said thermal cameras were becoming increasingly popular for their ability to track gaps in home insulation, for example, or water leaks.
The Canberra Community Toolbox will be open to visitors this Saturday for its 3rd birthday. Photo: Supplied.
Over the years, the Canberra Toolbox has widened the range of “tools” it has available for members to borrow, from cooking equipment to kayaks, camping gear and dog crates.
A volunteer-run, not-for-profit community enterprise, Kathy said the group’s mission was for everyone to have the means to create, have fun, try a new hobby and make their home more liveable – while keeping tools and equipment in circulation at their highest value.
She said today, the Toolbox had become a much-loved part of the Canberra community.
To mark its 3rd year in Canberra, Toolbox members and volunteers will celebrate this Saturday, 23 November, with DIY experts on hand to give advice and demonstrate the safe use of Toolbox equipment – with kitchen equipment used to cook up goodies for the guests. There will also be guided tours of the Toolbox.
People joining on the day will receive a bonus three months’ membership.
The Canberra Toolbox’s 3rd birthday celebrations will be held this Saturday, 23 November, from 10 am to 5 pm, at Zelling Street, Watson.
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