Jurien Bay Men’s Shed recognised at national awards for artificial reef to remember loved ones

A Mid West men’s shed has been recognised at the Australian Men’s Shed Association awards for its creative efforts to remember loved ones after dying. The innovative fundraising activity award was taken out by the Jurien Bay Community Men’s Shed, for its Rest in Reef project. The artificial reef was made using reef balls, which used the ashes of loved ones mixed with a special blend of concrete. The shed offered a unique memorial service as part of its package, where friends and family could see the reef ball placed within the reef. It’s a popular service that has received enquiries from across the nation and is expected to last 20 years, with 100 more balls approved to extend the reef over the next three years. President Geoff Bunn said the Men’s Shed was proud to receive national recognition for the project, which created a unique and lasting memorial site for ocean lovers. “We believe this is due recognition of the incredible vision and effort of our foundation members who first developed and constructed an artificial reef off the coast of Jurien Bay, before coming up with the concept of a Rest in Reef,” he said. “While we do raise funds from the rest in reef balls, we see it more as a community service than a fundraiser.” Mr Bunn said 17 balls had been added to the original reef, which was made up of 79 larger balls. It is the only organisation in Australia to offer a Rest in Reef service. Other men’s sheds were recognised at the awards, outlining their contribution to their respective communities. Wagga Wagga in New South Wales was recognised for its sustainability, while Queensland’s Coolum and New South Wales’ Eden both took out the men’s health honour. Shedder of the Year went to Bellbowrie Moggill’s Graham Barnard, while the Shed of the Year was Macclesfield in South Australia. The Ted Donnelly award for outstanding contribution to the men’s shed movement went to Paul Sladdin.