The Camden Men’s Shed officially opened its new location on Saturday, after two years of battling the council for approval.
The 500-square-metre American barn-style shed is located behind Carrington Aged Care, kitted out with a conference room, woodworking section, metal-working section, fix-it section, kitchen and toilets.
After two years of negotiations and rejections by council, President of Camden Men’s Shed David Funnell said it was the community that got the project over the line.
“Every door we’ve knocked on there has been help,” Mr Funnel said.
“We were given concrete at 60% off, steel at cost.
“This building would never have been built without the community, donations and people helping.”
The Australian Men‘s Shed Association (AMSA) was established in 1993 with the first Men’s Shed opening in Goolwa, South Australia. Lorna Moxham, Professor of Mental Health Nursing at the University of Wollongong, said that Men’s Sheds are important in supporting mental health in the elderly.
“Currently about 14% of people over 60 live with a mental disorder” Ms Moxham said.
“Given that loneliness and social isolation are significant risk factors for poor mental health, particularly among older men Men’s Sheds provide an informal setting where men can interact, reducing isolation.”
David Funnell said that Men’s Sheds are stronger than ever but are finding it difficult to secure stable tenancy.
“Every one of those blokes needs a place to go but for example down the south coast, two of [the Men’s Sheds] were in church halls, the new minister wanted them for a youth group, not a men’s shed,” Mr Funnel said.
The Camden Men’s Shed is home to 55 current members and has locked in a 20-year lease with Carrington Aged Care and the group obtained all the machinery and tools from Men’s Sheds that have closed.
“We’re not building it for ourselves, we are building it for the community,” Mr Funnel said.
“I won’t see the full extent of this building, but I hope in 20 years’ time, the lease will be renewed and the 60-year-olds of today will be using it.”
Now that the Mens’ Shed has finally succeeded in securing their building, Mr Funnell said one major goal that is unanimous in the group is to support the young apprentices who are looking to become tradies within the community.
“There are a lot of kids who can’t get work placement in year 10, the tradies are just not taking them on,” he said.
“We believe we can help them out, have them come with us for three or four days, and we will put them through to see if they want to do that job.
“A lot of kids want to do an apprenticeship but can’t afford to buy a battery-operated drill.
“We just want to make sure we have a section that looks after them, so they are not out of pocket. Any help we can give to those kids, that’s what the aim is.”