Men’s Shed could go ahead

Project chairman Reverend Brian Carey said the committee had visited six other Men’s Sheds in the Perth area to determine what features should be included in the local design.

‘What we are hoping to do is provide an avenue that helps combat loneliness and also to provide a space where people are able to do something creative for other people,’ Mr Carey said.

‘It becomes a venue of service which, in turn, adds to the sense of self-worth and also adds to the feeling we’re doing something worthwhile.’

Mr Carey said the Belmont Men’s Shed would have spaces for hospitality, wood and steel work, arts and crafts as well as areas where people could talk, which was an important part of the estimated $1 million project.

Mr Carey said that according to the Australian Census there were about 1800 people living in the City of Belmont who would benefit from having a Men’s Shed operating in the local area.

‘Our preferred way forward is to have the support of the council but for the shed to be run by the wider community through a management committee elected by the membership of the Belmont Men’s Shed,’ he said.

‘We believe that this encourages men in the wider community to be involved and take responsibility for the operation of a much needed facility within the City of Belmont.’

The next consultation meeting for the Belmont Men’s Shed is planned for late November.