Old becomes new – reclaimed bench seats for Eden Cruise Wharf

Over two hundred years in the making, ten recycled timber bench seats have been carefully crafted and now installed at Eden Cruise Wharf following a unique partnership between Port Authority of NSW and the Eden’s Men’s Shed. 

Port Authority General Manager Cruise Martin Bidgood, said the timber is now on its third life, having lived a second life as fenders on the original Eden mooring jetty and now salvaged to become seating for locals and visitors.

“This wonderful collaboration with Eden Men’s Shed showcases their great skills in bringing to life the beauty of the locally reclaimed timber to create seating with a distinct old maritime feel,” Mr Bidgood said.

It was a fantastic partnership that has seen additional reclaimed bench seating put to use for what has been a record-breaking summer cruise season. “This is another great job by the local Men’s Shed and great to see the beauty of this reclaimed timber brought back to life again.”

Mr Bidgood added in addition to the new bench seats, Port Authority has also installed bins, bicycle racks as well as a water drinking fountain to further improve the amenities for cruise passengers and visitors alike.

Eden Men’s Shed President Adrian Nash said making the bench seats had been a great project for members to be part of and it took over 370 hours in total to complete the 10 bench seats.

“The bench seats, each fittingly embossed with EMS, really put our skills to the test but it was terrific to be working with the old timber and giving back to the community,” Mr Nash said.

“We are really proud of how they have turned out and it is great to see the community and visitors alike enjoying the new seats since their installation.”

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