Janice Creenaune

Gary Grace, president of the Thirroul Men’s Shed. Photo: Janice Creenaune Gary Grace spends at least three days a week at the Thirroul Men’s Shed volunteering in overall operations, management and welfare of all those who participate. With nearly 60 members, this is a huge undertaking and Gary prides himself in knowing each member. He understands their working backgrounds, their skill strengths and their interactions to enable a strong unit to evolve within our community.

Janice Creenaune meets Carol Douglas, a Thirroul resident for 54 years, who has embraced her passion for knitting with the First Wednesday Knitting Club and while travelling in Australia. Carol Douglas has always been busy, it is simply the way she lives her life. “I can’t just sit down and watch TV, I have to be knitting something. I really do find it nourishing for the body and the soul,” she says.

Janice Creenaune meets Andrew Pedrana, who had various occupations before becoming a high school teacher and moving to the Illawarra. Andrew Pedrana only began singing fairly recently with The Slap Dash Choir. “A friend recommended the choir when it first started last year. Singing had never really featured in my life and I did not feel especially confident, but I thought it was a good way to meet people.