Brand new $400k Men’s Shed ready to go in Leongatha

EXCITEMENT was evident as the new home of Leongatha Men’s Shed was officially opened on Thursday, with a large gathering welcoming the occasion.

“We had a dream we might be able to build our own shed,” Leongatha Men’s Shed president Max Wood said.

State Government funding of $60,000 was secured toward the ambitious project in 2018.

The grant was provided through the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, with its adviser in community partnerships Kellie Bertrand speaking at the opening.

“The department offers an annual grant round to support Men’s Sheds to build new facilities or refurbish an existing shed, and in 2018, we had a front row seat to the incredible project management skills of the team that led the Leongatha grants submission,” Kellie said.

She described the encyclopedia-like submission as “the best in the state”.

Several sites were considered for the new shed, but its recreation reserve home is ideal.

“It’s convenient and easy to get to,” Max said of what he described as a “brilliant shed”.

The men pitched in on the project, with laying the vinyl, building the kitchen, and painting among the tasks they tackled.

A number of companies also did their bit, with an honour board in the shed paying tribute to those who made sizeable contributions.

Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien commented on the extent of the achievement the building represents.

“The grant was $60,000 and somehow they’ve turned that into a $400,000 Men’s Shed,” he said.

While he joked that “All we’re building is a place for blokes to have coffee,” Danny reflected on a younger man who told him a Men’s Shed saved his life.
That demonstrates the social value of Men’s Sheds.

“I commend those involved and thank the government for its contribution,” Danny said.

Leongatha Men’s Shed member John Rowe is delighted with the new premises.
“It’s got so much more room and it’s our shed,” he said.

Members enjoyed a happy 10 years at their previous primary school-based home.

However, the new shed allows for more projects to be done, and there are hopes of an expanding membership.

The men tend to have preferences for particular types of projects and often form little teams, but it functions as one happy shed.

“I love the fact you make toys and give them away to children who might not have those sorts of toys in their lives,” South Gippsland Shire mayor Mohya Davies said while opening the facility.
That includes creating an average of 1,000 toy wooden cars a year, which mostly go overseas through Operation Christmas Child.

“The kids think those little cars are just it and a bit,” president Max declared.

Rod Gregg and Graham Washfold are part of a group within the Leongatha Men’s Shed making possum boxes for Wildlife Victoria, with proceeds from their sale aiding both organisations.

While Leongatha men now have a splendid new shed, there is still more to be done, with the need for air filtration and dust extraction in the workshop and a desire for solar panels on the roof.

The project has cost $395,000.

In addition to the State Government contribution, South Gippsland Shire Council contributed $50,000, with a further $20,000 coming from local businesses, and the men raising the remaining $265,000.