A successful Notice of Motion (NoM) brought to the Byron Shire Council resulted in a unanimous vote to provide Council staff support and funding to help identify a site for the shed. This was a pivotal achievement, highlighting Council’s recognition of the importance of this initiative for the Byron Bay community.
Following the Council elections, the Men’s Shed addressed the new members, ensuring they were brought up to speed with our progress and goals. While these engagements have been promising, the challenge of identifying a suitable site remains unresolved. Despite productive meetings with senior Council staff, we have yet to secure a location for the shed – a critical step that unlocks significant funding opportunities. This delay has been a source of frustration but has not dampened our resolve.
The location that has shown the most promise is the Butler Street Reserve. Historically used as a tip, the site has faced development challenges due to contamination with PFAS, the extent of which is still not determined. Although the Council Management Plan of 2003 aimed to address these issues, it has yet to be implemented.
Pushing forward
Adding to the urgency of progress is the fact that many of the founding members of the Men’s Shed are in their 70s. Their passion and dedication underscore the importance of moving quickly to achieve our goals. The committee has set an ambitious target to secure a site and ‘lay the slab’ by mid-2025. This timeline presents a significant challenge to the often slow-moving machinery of Council, but it reflects our commitment to seeing this vision realised.
Throughout the year, we have kept the momentum going with several key events and meetings. Highlights include a gathering at Wullum Place to assess its potential as a site, a vibrant community meeting at the Byron Bowlo, and another productive session at the Byron Services Club. In addition, members enjoyed a warm and informative visit to the Ballina Men’s Shed, culminating in a barbecue that strengthened ties and provided valuable insights into running a successful shed.
Our growing membership is another cause for celebration. We now have 45 registered members, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm and support for this initiative.
These achievements and activities demonstrate the dedication and passion of our members and supporters. The Byron Bay Men’s Shed is more than a project; it’s a vision of community, connection, and support for men of all ages and backgrounds. As we move into 2025, we remain committed to finding a site, unlocking funding, and bringing our shed to life for the benefit of our community.
We invite everyone to stay connected with our progress and lend their support to this vital initiative. For more information, please visit our website. Together, we can make the Byron Bay Men’s Shed a reality.
♦ Bryan Frew is the secretary of the Byron Bay Men’s Shed committee.
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