By Steph McNicol
Men can now look forward to the construction of a men’s shed at Romsey Park, following a long-running campaign to start the community organisation in the town.
Shed members Stephen Goodman and Paul Green, Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas, Macedon Councillor Bill West and Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell took part in the first sod turn for the project on Friday.
The State Government-funded project will cost $60,000 and create a hub for all men to connect, share skills and take on community projects.
Men’s sheds aim to promote health and wellbeing and enhance community engagement among men of all ages, interests and backgrounds.
Mr Goodman said since the funding had been secured, and the first soil turned, the project would get underway at speed.
“Today is the big first initial turning of the first sod of the building of the men’s shed here in Romsey,” he said.
“It’s been an ongoing thing now for the better part of two years, because we had to get the lease on the land. It’s a long, drawn-out process.
“We’ve had meetings with the builder and the concreter, so it’ll happen very quickly now, probably next week or the week after.”
Mr Goodman said the shared space would look after the health of men.
“It’s a great thing for the community because what it does is it looks after the physical and mental health of men,” he said.
“It’s a bit cliché…but the shed gives men a reason to get out of bed in the morning.”
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas said she knew the importance of men’s sheds.
“This is going to be fantastic for men in Romsey – who will soon be able to catch up with mates and share their skills in their new shed,” Ms Thomas said.
“We know how important men’s sheds are to men’s health and wellbeing in our regional towns, and I’m looking forward to hearing how the Romsey Men’s Shed makes a difference.
“Congratulations to Patrick, Steve, Paul, Cr Bill West and all the other Romsey Shedders on their hard work in getting this off the ground.”
