Yanchep Committee Men’s Shed welcomes first committee and first Federal grant

THE Yanchep Community Men’s Shed has welcomed its first committee and first Federal grant.

The steering committee hosted the first AGM on May 21 at Yanchep Sports and Social Club, where members elected official office bearers.

Malcolm Gow filled the chairman position, having chaired the steering committee, with Hugh Leslie as the deputy chairman and John Hollingsworth as treasurer.

Annie Purdy is acting secretary until a male volunteer comes forward and the four committee members are Lou Dorse, Branko Brljevic, Ian Williams and Bob Leeson.

Butler MLA John Quigley accepted the role of patron at the meeting, which 19 people attended.

Mr Gow said they appreciated the support from the community and various organisations, including the Australian Men’s Shed Association, which allocated it a $5000 grant through the Federal Government’s National Shed Development Program.

“All this support is welcomed in building up the Yanchep Community Men’s Shed, that will provide facilities for a large workshop, meeting room (and) separate offices that will be used by the local RSL and Lions Club,” he said.

Pearce MHR Christian Porter visited the shed members to announce the federal grant.

“The Yanchep Community Men’s Shed committee has worked tirelessly in getting this important community facility up and running,” Mr Porter said.

“The $5000 grant will mean a lot to the newly established Yanchep Community Men’s Shed members and the broader community.

“This funding will assist the Shed in setting up their shed and will allow them to purchase tools and equipment like bench saws, bench drills, an electric generator and kitchen equipment.”

Mr Porter said men’s sheds fostered a sense of community and helped to enhance the physical and mental well-being of their members by providing a safe and friendly environment where men could work together on a variety of projects.

“I would encourage anyone who is thinking about joining, to just do it – come down for a cuppa, have a chat and just do it,” he said.

The group currently operates from Unit 2, 7 Glenrothes Crescent from 9am to noon on weekdays.

For membership information, email yanchepcommshed@yahoo.com or call 0401 646 183.