Mens Shed Opening

MENS SHED OPENING

Funding for a new men’s shed was provided by Perpetual Trustees through the Ian Rollo Currie Foundation in 2020 for the demolishing and rebuilding of a new shed, but unfortunately due to Covid-19 and the Victorian lockdowns, the work didn’t begin as expected.

Once lockdowns were lifted, the funds that were provided by the grant, although generous, were not enough for a full rebuild of the existing shed due to price increases in materials and the lack of contractor availability.

Barry Lay and a group of other Leith Park residents and staff ultimately decided that they could spend the money on extending the footprint of the original shed and managing the project internally.

The group willingly engaged the contractors as needed, but also utilised the men’s group’s skills to get hands-on with some renovation works and finishes.

The build took roughly 6-plus months since the first turning soil and was completed in December 2022. Staff members who have worked on this project include Jon, Rob, Tegwen and Rick. We thank them for all their contributions.

There are expected to be ten or more people who are part of the group and use the shed this year, with the openness of always welcoming women and men who would like to be part of the group.

Some future plans around the facility include benches for paved outdoor areas, furniture repairs for residents and to grow the involvement of residents/staff and volunteers.

The official opening day of the Leith Park Men’s Shed was a special day for our hardworking residents and staff, who have put in an enormous amount of work and dedication to the men’s shed in Leith Park. The day consisted of a sausage sizzle lunch cooked by Graham Spriggs, speeches from Phillip Wohlers, Barry Lay and David Whiteman, and a tour of the shed. We thank Anthony Hamawi, Manager, NFP and Aged Care, Community and Social Investments from Perpetual who came to the opening.

Perpetual and the Ian Rollo Currie Foundation have always been giving and generous with donations and support, we thank them for their contributions over many years.