Released 16/01/2019
Men’s Sheds on the Southside have found new homes with the ACT Government providing $80,000 for a brand new purpose built shed in Hughes, and a new local site for Weston Creek Men’s Shed group, Minister for Community Services and Facilities Chris Steel announced today.
“Men’s Sheds provide a fantastic opportunity for older men to participate and socialise with other men, while giving back to the community,” Minister Steel said.
“The reality for many men as we age is that we’re not as good as we should be at keeping up our friendships, but it’s so important for our health.
Weston Creek has the oldest population in Canberra at 41. Woden Valley and the Inner South are the second oldest with a median age of 39.
“We’ve got the oldest population in Canberra here on the Southside so I’ve been working with the local men’s sheds to ensure they’re in an adequate facility so they can support even more men to get active and involved.”
Minister Steel said Weston Creek Men’s Shed was previously temporarily located at the Eternity Church Grounds in Kambah which unfortunately was not fit for purpose and required a generator to operate. The Rivett Depot which is owned by ACT Property Group is located next to Rivett shops at the sheds previously tenanted by Leapfrog.
“I have been working with the group and within government to find an accessible site in Weston Creek that will allow the men’s shed to find a permanent home to grow.”
CEO of COTA ACT Jenny Mobbs welcomed the announcement of new Men’s Shed and said it will complement the broader community.
“The idea of getting together ‘shoulder to shoulder’ and doing useful voluntary work is the core of the success of the Men’s Shed Movement,” Ms Mobbs said.
The Weston Creek Men’s Shed currently has around 30 members and is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The Hughes Men’s Shed will be constructed in 2019. The Weston Creek Men’s Shed will hold an open day on 28 February.
For more information about the Men’s Shed visit the website at: westoncreekmensshed.org.au
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases
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