Tuross Head Men’s Shed celebrates five years, receives grant

Initially it started after a meeting held at the Old Community Hall presided over by Rev Linda Chapman, assisted by Pauline Cameron and Pat Anderson.

Cyril Streatfield suggested to Rev Chapman that there was a need for a Men's Shed in Tuross and so the meeting came about.

The first president was John Lannstrom who cut the celebratory cake which was enjoyed by the large group of members present.

With over 60 members it is one of the largest Men’s Sheds per head of population in the area. Members enjoy a variety of things to do which include cards, snooker, camera group, table tennis and if so inclined they can do woodwork or metal work.

A social barbecue is held Thursday mornings and the members and partners also enjoy a lunch out every six weeks at one of the local restaurants. The Tuross Men’s Shed also recently hosted the annual Tuross model exhibition

For further information, contact numbers are president Leo Demchy on 4473 9293 or secretary Peter Christie on 447 36081.

In other Men’s Shed news, the Federal Government is providing funding for three Men’s Sheds in the electorate of Gilmore to upgrade facilities and resources.

Member for Gilmore, Ann Sudmalis this week contacted Tuross Head Men’s Shed president Leo Demchy to inform him of a $5000 grant allocation.

“This will mean a lot to Men’s Shed members and the broader community, and I congratulate them on their success,” Mrs Sudmalis said.

“The Tuross Head Men’s Shed helps men, particularly in their retirement years, to connect with each other and prevent social isolation and preventable health conditions.

“This funding round helps Men’s Sheds buy tools and equipment, support community projects and training, maintain or develop their buildings, and create local activities to improve men’s health.

“The funding will support men’s physical and mental health and wellbeing.

“Men’s Sheds provide a sense of community, a safe and friendly environment where men can work on meaningful projects at their own pace, in their own time, in the company of other men.

“Members have an opportunity to pass their skills to others, learn new things, or just catch up regularly with other men in the community for a chat, a cup of tea and sometimes a barbecue,” Mrs Sudmalis said.

This grant funding is part of the $5.1 million the Federal Government has provided to the Australian Men’s Shed Association through to 2018-19 to support the national network of Men’s sheds.

Details of all successful grant recipients from this National Shed Development Program funding round are available at www.mensshed.org