Byron Bay Men’s Shed had a meeting on Saturday at Red Devils Park, with 14 potential members attending.
All were very enthusiastic regarding a Men’s Shed for Byron Bay. This new shed will provide a safe, supportive and friendly environment for men of all ages. It will allow them to gather to volunteer, work, teach, learn and seek fellowship with other like-minded people.
It will also provide mental, physical and emotional wellbeing to all of our members. Men’s Sheds also have a suicide prevention information pack for members.
This new shed will make a positive difference to the lives of the members and provide a great service to the community. While Red Devils Park (Byron Rugby League Club) is very happy to have the Men’s Shed on the property, there is a problem.
Crown Lands say ‘No’
NSW Crown Lands, who manage the property on behalf of the government, have said ‘No’ (see page 4).
No shed is allowed to be built on the property, although there is a large area in which one could be built.
And it gets worse: Crown Lands said that all the people camping and in caravans will be given notice to leave. This is a terrible decision – not only for the Men’s Shed, but for Red Devils Park who get income from the campers, many of them have been there for years.
They have been kicked out, and will need to find somewhere else to live.
The Cavanbah Centre on Ewingsdale Road would be another very suitable site with plenty of room, but for some reason, Council have also said ‘No’.
So we need the community to help us find a site where the shed can be built. We will also be seeking support and help from our local and state government representatives to overcome the bureaucratic obstacles we are confronting.
Byron Bay is the largest area in NSW that does not have a Men’s Shed. There are 380 Men’s Sheds in NSW, some in communities with only 400–500 people.
We have the funds available to build the shed – we just need a location.
A shed like this would make such a difference.
If you have any ideas or information please contact me, Tony Heeson, Regional co-ordinator for Northern Rivers, on 0419 715 098 or email [email protected].
The Echo, May 12, reported: “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.”
From the article above It seems that Tony’s found his members but forgotten where his shed was going.
Who owns the land where the community centre cabin sits? It would be ideal in that area. There is, quite rightly, Council controlled land allocated to skateparks, playgrounds and a pump track. What facilities do we have for our retired/aging population. I’m sure a Men’s Shed is not the only valuable community asset that exists in most places but not Byron Bay.
Mysteriously there is no U3A here either and we had to change the name of the Elderly Cits to the more acceptably hip Marvell Hall. Seniors? Best kept at home and out of sight.
Perhaps there is the kind of resistance that saw off MacDonalds. It’s the vibe.