Community & Business
10 January, 2025
Pearl’s Precinct officially opened
After much anticipation, the newly constructed Pittsworth Women’s Shed, Pearl’s Precinct, was officially opened just before Christmas. The Women’s Shed was made possible by the generosity and vision of local resident Trevor Saal who donated funds for the build in memory of his beloved wife Pearl.
In front of the shed, Mr Saal, surrounded by his family, cut the ribbon and unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening of Pearl’s Precinct on December 21.
Former Toowoomba Region and Millmerran Mayor, Paul Antonio, was the MC for the event and extended his heartfelt thanks to Trevor for his commitment to the Pittsworth community.
“Thank you very much for your vision and what you’ve done... this is permanent recognition of the contribution that ladies make in our lives,” Mr Antonio said.
“When ladies can come together, work together, it’s not only what they produce it’s the fact that they’re together and they’re talking.
“There’s lots of men’s sheds but it’s so good
to see the vision here of Trevor and the people of Pittsworth, and particularly his family.”
Mr Antonio reflected on the contribution of the Saal family as a whole over the years, in particular, Trevor’s father, Sydney Saal, who served in the Australian Light Horse during World War I.
Mr Antonio also made mention of Viv Saal, and the inspiration he was to him when he first joined the Millmerran Council, and Viv was the incumbent Mayor in Millmerran at that time.
“The Saal family’s contribution, broadly speaking, is enormous,” Mr Antonio said.
Much of the construction of Pearl’s Precinct was done by Russell Gore and Wayne Saal, who, from the time they started to erect the shed, completed it within 15 days to the point where it was lockable and secure.
Mr Saal said they were fortunate to never have to wait for any tradesmen to willingly put up their hand to assist with construction, even on weekends.
Trevor’s daughter, Amanda Burcher said a few words in memory of her mother, who was born on 14th November 1929 in Pittsworth.
Trevor and Pearl first met at a dance on New Year’s Eve in 1946 at Yarranlea.
Four years later, it rained on their wedding day in Pittsworth on 24th June 1950.
“Rain on your wedding day is good luck because it signifies that your marriage will last, it is thought to bring resilience and symbolise a couple’s ability to weather life storms together,” Ms Burcher said.
In the evenings after dinner, Pearl would slip into her sewing room where she loved to be creative, however more often than not, she was simply making clothes for their eight children.
Ms Burcher said her mother lived by the old saying, ‘a stitch in time saves nine’ and she sewed every piece with love.
When Pearl died on 11 January 2022, her friendship and relationship with life partner Trevor, came to an end.
“He lost his best friend,” Ms Burcher said.
Their motto in life was ‘we helped one another with everything we could - it’s two lives lived as one’.
“Dad appreciated and acknowledged all that she did and all that she stood for,” Ms Burcher said.
“This Pearl’s Precinct has been lovingly donated to women of the Pittsworth district in her memory.”
President of the Pittsworth Women’s Shed, Gail Parish, replied with sincere gratitude for Trevor’s generosity.
“We, as a group, are so grateful for the generous donation for this wonderful shed,” she said.
“Over the months I have gotten to know Trevor a little more, and we are so blessed to have this gentleman in our lives.”
The flooring has yet
to be completed, and final certification granted, however the women are expected to move in by the end of February.
Those who were acknowledged for their contributions to the build and the official opening ceremony were: Russell Gore, Bernie McGlynn Constructions; Wayne, Harley and Tom Saal, Waco Farming; Matt and Jason Thorpe, R. & F. Sheds; Duncan Lee and Michael, Jada Excavations; Craig Manktelow and Mick, C. R. Concreting; Jamie Faux, Mikaylah Boyce, Madison Boyce and Darby Manktelow, Faux Electrical; Blake Pearce, Pearce Crane Hire; Ben Horn and associates; CNW Electrical Wholesalers Toowoomba; Haymans Electrical Wholesalers Toowoomba; L. & H. Electrical Wholesalers Toowoomba; Energetic Lighting; Raff Group; Penny McKinlay, McKinlay’s Nursery; Liam Tierney, Tierney Signs Toowoomba; Cameron and Belinda Saal; Ros Scotney; Paul Antonio and the ladies from the women’s shed.
The Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald and his wife Lisa also attended the opening ceremony.
