Makers Village in Cullinan helps the unemployed

Revival is on the cards for the Cullinan community after the town’s central tourist space took a heavy knock during the pandemic a few years ago. Many stores and coffee shops closed down, and the local artists suffered.

The first point of order for artists is to draw tourists. To get that done, the community of artists has been sprucing up the public areas, adding artistic elements and cool spaces to sit and soak in the surroundings.

Tania Bryant, one of the founders of the Makers Market, said, “How is it possible that so much talent is on the bench, not employed, but could have a valuable role in the labour market? We dream of a world in which everyone is free to be who they are and talent gets valued.

“Cullinan and Rayton have a lot of older people in need, and we would love to involve them in the Makers Village in Cullinan,” said Bryant.

“The Makers Village has already hosted three workshops to retired people from the area, who are now helping us to train the youth and other people who are looking for specific skills. It can best be described as a modern-day community centre. Workshops and services that the community needs will be added.

“The tool-sharing facility is free and people that have done training on the equipment can use the machines at no charge.

“Workshops we have established to date focus on wood, silver jewellery, sewing and design, leather, blacksmith, ceramic, and also hospitality training.”

She said the Makers Village also provides work readiness programmes for people with disabilities in the hospitality industry.

The Makers Foundation has established several projects within the Cullinan area that will contribute to the town’s success. A huge focus is on keeping the town clean and beautiful.

“A team of six people with disabilities have been employed for two days a week to help keep the town tidy. They move from each area, clearing any dumped rubbish and placing recycling in designated areas,” said Bryant.

A recycler was brought on board to help recycle the cardboard accumulated by the shopping mall. A bin has been procured for the cardboard boxes, helping to keep them dry.

“We will assist the recyclers with a bin to store the cardboard boxes. In return, they will keep the area clean and communicate all obstacles with our management.”

Bryant shared that illegal dumping continued to be a challenge at an open piece of land next to the Makers Village.

“We intend to raise the funds to fence the area and use it as a community garden.

“The area lends itself to be used as a park for the local people and we would like to build a labyrinth where people can walk their dogs,” said Bryant.