By Danielle Kutchel
The Hampton Park Men’s Shed has held its AGM, as it looks to come back stronger after a difficult 2020.
On Sunday 7 March, members of the Men’s Shed met for the meeting at Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre.
Members were joined by Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas, CEO of Disability Co Dylan Maliepaard and CEO of Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre, Jan Gilchrist.
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan also sent a message of support.
Re-elected president Peter Hanson said the meeting was a show of solidarity among members and friends of the organisation.
“It’s inspiring to see our shed members, and our community, rally around us at our AGM. We also acknowledge and thank Gary Maas MP for his attendance and ongoing support as well as Luke Donnellan MP, Anthony Byrne MP and Victorian Men’s Shed Association president Lindsay Oates, for their ongoing support our of group.”
He said the group would come back stronger than ever in 2021 and was looking to develop partnerships with others in the community.
“We’re keen to build close partnerships with other groups and to grow our membership base so that we can continue to service our community and its needs. We are here for our community.”
A draft strategic plan was presented at the meeting and will be refined further at an upcoming workshop.
Discussions are ongoing around partnerships with other community organisations, however the Men’s Shed has already formed a close bond with Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre, which is currently hosting the Men’s Shed’s meetings for free in a show of support.
There are also discussions about working more closely with the Lions Club of Hampton Park.
Mr Maas said the Hampton Park Men’s Shed is “a valued local service” and spoke of its importance to members and the wider community.
“It provides support to many in our community while also providing a place to meet regularly and learn new skills.
“Consistent with the findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, community based support services such as the Hampton Park Men’s Shed are vital in assisting people to connect, raise issues and seek help,” he said.
