By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A NEW men’s shed in Casey is one step closer to becoming a reality.
Casey council unanimously passed a motion on Tuesday 16 February raised by councillor Rafal Kaplon to look at funding options for a new men’s shed in either Narre Warren North or Endeavour Hills.
The move comes with the backing of the Berwick Men’s Shed in Akoonah Park as the State Government is set to provide $60,000 in funding for community groups to use towards new men’s sheds.
The council’s decision was met with approval by Berwick Men’s Shed president Lindsay Harding and Victorian Men’s Shed Association vice-president Lindsay Oates who visited Akoonah Park this week.
Mr Harding said the facility had grown exponentially in the three and half years that it had been running, its membership currently at 160, and that another shed was needed in Casey to cater for those men who had recently retired.
“A lot of guys are workaholics. I spent 65 hours a week at the Good Guys and suddenly you’re retired, what do you do with those 65 hours?” Mr Harding said.
“There’s only so much gardening you can do.
“It’s a health issue, the men can come in and have a cuppa, have a talk and it keeps blokes’ minds active.”
It’s believed potential sites for the new men’s shed being considered include the Narre Warren North Uniting Church and the Narre Warren North Recreation Reserve.
Possible sites in Endeavour Hills are also being assessed.
Cr Kaplon confirmed that the council would investigate sharing in the funding made available by the Andrews government.
“Research consistently shows that men’s sheds actively support men’s health, combat social isolation and give participants a sense of purpose and self-esteem,” he said.
“The sheds themselves give men a place to keep their woodworking and handyman skills sharp but, more importantly, they are a powerful social network where men can feel comfortable to talk about their health and encourage each other to seek support.”
Former Casey Mayor Rob Wilson has also announced plans to set up a new men’s shed in the same area but it’s understood that Mr Wilson’s bid is seemingly separate to the council’s and does not have the backing of the City of Casey or the Berwick Men’s Shed.
In a statement released this week, Mr Wilson announced that the Narre Warren North Cricket Club would support the application for his new men’s shed, which is also earmarked for Endeavour Hills or Narre Warren North.
