With the growth in Men’s Sheds in the region, local co-ordinator Tony Heeson says a location has been secured in Byron Bay, and all that is needed is members.
Heeson is co-ordinator of Zone 12, which covers 18 sheds in the Northern Rivers, from Tweed Heads to Grafton.
He told The Echo, ‘A community men’s shed is a community space consisting of workshops and meeting rooms, where men gather to work together on meaningful activities and projects for personal and community benefit’.
‘It aims to improve the health and well-being of members, and reduce the number of men who are at risk from preventable health issues that may emanate from social isolation.
‘The recently formed Australian Men’s Shed Association now has about 1,380 member sheds.
‘Some small areas with sheds include Drake and Bonalbo, with populations of under 500.
Central Byron Bay location secured
‘With Byron’s population at 6,000, we have a central location for the shed, and the necessary funding to build it.
‘The Australian Men’s Shed Association started in 2007, and now boasts 1,400 sheds in Australia – that’s more men’s sheds than McDonald’s.
‘There are 380 in NSW, and all sheds in the Northern Rivers are growing.
‘The Bangalow Shed commenced in 2016, with 15 members, and now has 72.
‘All sheds receive significant government funding. NSW sheds got over $6 million in the last six months’.
Anyone who is interested in starting, or joining a men’s shed in Byron Bay, please contact Tony Heeson on 0419 715 098, email [email protected] or visit www.mensshed.org.
Yet another huge capital investment, not in much needed housing, but in a facility that excludes 51% of the population.
Many of these ‘mens sheds’ are used by fewer than 10 people.
Surely this funding would be better spent on long term, emergency and/or DV housing? Or the desperately needed road maintenance.
Let me say at the outset that I think Men’s Sheds are great and many of them also do great community service work. I’m also not opposed to funding being directed to areas of special needs and retired men certainly have some special needs, as do the aged in general in this youth oriented, frantic and isolating tourist destination.
Getting a location in central Byron Bay, where land is at an absolute premium, is a really big deal. Try to think of other Byron Bay locations made available gratis for these sorts of purposes. And please, don’t suggest the “community centre”.
So … I approve but I’m just wondering how many of our regular, anti affirmative action, no-one-treated differently warriors will decry this initiative?
I’m inquiring to see if any mens shed in the northern rivers area specialise in classic car repairs namely, seat upholstery, auto electrical, mechanical please
Epic news !! A well needed, heart focussed initiative for our local men who feel isolated alot of the time. So needed, thank you.