THE Penola Men’s Shed has had a facelift with the completion of a new recreation shed.
More than two years of planning went into the development, which has been constructed alongside the original shed at Penola High School.
Penola Men’s Shed president Ian Tregenza said the new space would greatly benefit the club.
“From the beginning, we have been doing everything in the one space,” he said.
“It gets pretty tight in the shed when we’re all in there, so the new space will be perfect.
“It’s not going to be a workshop, but somewhere for our members to catch up, have a coffee and make a snack.”
The club members said the project would not have been possible without community support.
“We have had so many donations that have gotten us to the stage we’re at now,” Mr Tregenza said.
“An oven, hot plate and rainwater tank were donated, as well as people’s time and money.
“It’s amazing how much support we have received and we’re grateful to everyone for it.”
The task now lies on members to fit the new shed out, with plumbing, electrical work, lining and painting all still to be done.
“We obviously cannot do the plumbing or electrical work, but we should be able to tackle the other aspects,” Mr Tregenza said.
“So we’re still trying to raise some more money for that.”
The group recently built picnic tables for the reopening of the Nangwarry Pool and are open to purchase orders from the public for similar projects.
“Making things for the public is a great way for us to raise some funds for our shed, but also keep us busy,” Mr Tregenza said.
“If people are interested in ordering from us, we would really appreciate it.
“We have a focus on carpentry, so if people have similar projects we’d be happy to give them a go.”
With around 20 active members at the shed, Mr Tregenza said they were always looking for new faces.
“It’s always important to have extra hands out here, but men’s sheds are really all about supporting each other,” he said.
“There’s such a big emphasis on mental health at the moment and at the men’s shed we have a keen focus on that.
“If anyone has any problems and needs some on to talk to, we’re always here to help – this is the place to come and have a chat.”
Although the shed focuses on carpentry and metal work, once the new shed is erected Mr Tregenza believes there will be more room to branch out.
“Other men’s sheds offer photography, pottery and similar things,” he said.
“So we hope to have a little bit more on offer in the future.
“Any ideas old or new members have to implement new projects are always welcome.”
Contact Mr Tregenza on 0447 037 981 for more information about the club or to inquire about a purchase order.
