After many months of hard work by members of the Men’s Shed steering committee, the Harden-Murrumburrah Men’s Shed held an open day last Sunday to gauge public support.
Around 40 men (and a few of ladies) took the opportunity to attend the opening held at the Railway Institute building, the new home of the local Men’s Shed.
President of the Men’s Shed Steering Committee, Ralph Hawkins welcomed everyone and gave a run down on what the Men’s Shed’s could achieve in the community and how the Men’s Sheds operate. Ralph stressed that what the Men’s Shed can provide to its members is governed solely by the needs of its members. “The Men’s Shed will mean different things for different people. Some members may want to join in and share their skills or pick up new skills in other areas, other members may simply like to just come along for a chat and a cuppa”, Ralph said.
Those who visited the open day were invited to complete a survey which will help the steering committee identify the existing skills and needs of prospective members which will allow them to gauge what equipment may be required and what opening hours the Harden-Murrumburrah Men’s Shed will initially have.
The Men’s Shed concept was formed to address the issues of men’s health (physical, emotional and social well-being) in the community and to engage the elderly, youth, veterans and other groups of men in the community to get together to share their time and experiences with each other in a friendly supportive environment.
It is a uniquely Australian organisation that is proving very popular in the local area with Sheds popping up in Cootamundra, Young, Boorowa and Grenfell.
Over the next couple of weeks the steering committee will take on-board the suggestions received and funding for equipment will start to be sourced.
Last year Cootamundra’s Men’s Shed was able to attract over $73,000 in funding grants.
So far the Harden-Murrumburrah Men’s Shed scrap metal drive has raised over $5000 to go towards equipment and generous donations have been received in the form of equipment and items such as refrigerators and a complete kitchen.
At the opening an announcement was made that Gammons Metal Recyclers from Cootamundra have offered to provide sponsorship by covering the rental costs of the building.
Treasurer of the steering committee, Tony Campbell said that once the Shed is up and running they may undertake projects to involve the youth of the community.
In the past a number of youth have been directed to the Cootamundra Men’s Shed for guidance and now with the Men’s Shed in Harden becoming a reality it is hoped a similar system will be put in place in Harden. The Harden-Murrumburrah Men’s Shed is looking at trying to obtain an old truck or ute that local youth and Men’s Shed members will be able to work on together as a project.
The Men’s Shed will provide a valuable asset for the Harden Shire and Men of all ages are encouraged to attend.
Stay tuned over the next few weeks for further details on when the Men’s Shed will be ready for business. For further information phone Neil Barry 6386 3552 or Tony Campbell 6386 2462.
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