Rotarians enjoyed Men’s Shed hospitality

Recently, the Rotary Club departed from its usual meeting place to accept the invitation of the Men’s Shed to see what has been achieved at first hand – and to enjoy a barbecue meal.

The Men’s Shed has come a long way from its formation at a public meeting back in January, 2009.

An early donation from Rotary ensured administrative costs were covered, and the new organisation was on its way.

Its aim was to provide an outlet for senior aged men in the community – to provide mental health stimulation, social interaction and at the same time undertake manual tasks and learn new skills.

In a relatively short seven years since its inception, the Men’s Shed is now well and truly “at home” in its own premises – at a cost of well over $100,000.

With the help of local Member Katrina Hodgkinson the Club obtained a $30,000 grant for the State Community Building Partnership, matched by $30,000 from Veolia.

The Shed itself had raised $40,000 with the support of Rotary and other community organisations.

Although the expenses rose above the initial estimates, this sort of help continued and the massive new Shed became a reality.

At the Rotary visit, current President Ron Brown expressed his organisation’s gratitude for the help given by Rotary over the years, and outlined the work the Shed was able to do, mostly for the benefit of the community and individuals in need, as well as providing for private work.

The aim of providing a rewarding and beneficial social outlet for elderly males in the community had well and truly been met.

“We all enjoy each other’s company,” Ron said.

Men’s Shed members had been able to express their gratitude to Rotary in a practical way by helping man the gates at Rotary’s main fund raising function, the annual Swap Meet.

As for the Rotary visitors – they left content that their efforts for the Men’s Shed over the years had been well and truly worthwhile.