Julie Earl
The Naracoorte District Men’s Shed is powering forward and expanding.
The group opened its new Engine Shed on Wednesday, April 17, with Member for MacKillop Nick McBride officiating at the event.
A crowd of members and friends celebrated the culmination of the three year project to provide engine enthusiasts with a permanent space of their own within the Men’s Shed precinct.
The brand new space is the result of much cooperation and commitment by members working together, adding an engine restoration workshop to the existing woodwork and metalwork facilities.
Engine group leader John Standerwick said they were very pleased with the result.
“We decided to line and insulate the building, and worked tirelessly for the last few weeks to get it finished,” he said.
Mr McBride congratulated members for their successful grant applications, including The Department of Human Services, PIRSA, One-Forty-One, plus other donations from the community.
“We can’t underestimate the importance of Men’s Sheds across the country, state and region,” he said.
“There are more than 1200 of them – making it one of Australia’s largest male-based community development organisations,” he said.
“It is important that these facilities continue to offer inclusive and safe surroundings for all men to meet and socialise – and the Naracoorte Men’s Shed is an extremely fine example of that.”
Men’s Shed members have a wide range of skills and interests, but what brings them all together is the support and companionship they provide one another.
Alan Possingham said the shed is a social event for some “to have a yarn and catch up on the gossip.”
The Naracoorte Men’s Shed is located at 6 Sports Centre Drive and is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Members of the public are invited to come and see the facilities and check out the range of services on offer.
New members are very welcome.
