Redland City Council is encouraging more men to get together in sheds, as part of the growing popularity and interest in the Men’s Shed program.
Mayor Karen Williams said representatives from Council will talk about support available for Men’s Sheds at a meeting of Men’s Sheds coordinators in the Redlands this Thursday 20 September.
“There are seven Men’s Sheds already established in the Redlands and nearby Logan and the coordinators’ meeting and barbecue at Killara Place Cleveland will explore opportunities for Men’s Sheds to work together,” Mayor Williams said.
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“The Australian Men’s Shed Association and Australian Government provide support for Men’s Sheds with the identified benefits including reduced social isolation, improved men’s health, building community strength and providing opportunity to work on practical community projects.
“Redland City Council has provided grant support to assist with the establishment of sheds and works to ensure the sheds meet sustainable planning requirements and the best use of available land and facilities.”
Bob Uhr, President of the relatively new Redland Bay Men’s Shed said their shed is planning to grow into a permanent facility with up to 200 members.
Currently operating out of a temporary shed with the generous support of the Tall Trees residential complex in Redland Bay, Mr Uhr said 20 or more men regularly visit the shed to work on projects and enjoy good company.
“We are looking to raise funds and obtain Council approval and support for a more permanent shed location in Redland Bay,” he said.
“We hope that once we establish a permanent site, we can then install more lathes and equipment for the projects the men want to work on.
“The Redland Bay shed hopes to also provide a mainland meeting place for men involved in sheds on nearby Macleay and Russell Islands.
Amidst the noise of electric saws and the smell of fresh timber, Bob, a tall, gently spoken man with a management background, said there were many benefits of the sheds for men.
“We find after only a few visits, the men start to open up and talk about things that are important to them as well as just enjoying the good company and worthwhile projects” he said
For information on the 20 September Men’s Shed Coordinators meeting, phone Redland City Council on (07) 3829 8775. Men’s Sheds information and locations can be found at website www.mensshed.org.
