The head of a vital local organisation says he is relieved and excited after the group was essentially saved from closure.
Members of the Nambour Men’s Shed had feared for its future, after they were given notice to vacate their state government-owned Colless Lane premises, which had a damaged roof and was earmarked to make way for a rail corridor upgrade.
Efforts to find a new home were unsuccessful and the organisation was advised to leave by September 30.
But members were recently given a well-received reprieve and were told they can stay there for five more years.
NMS President Colin Webb was thrilled to get the good news.
“My reaction was … a feeling of sheer relief closely followed by feelings of joy and excitement for my fellow members, many of which would be totally lost if the shed was forced to close,” he said.
“The continuation of the men’s shed means many more hours of enjoying the camaraderie of fellow members within a safe and friendly environment where men can derive satisfaction by working on meaningful projects at their own pace, in their own time across a range of programs, activities and community projects.”
The group, which formed 12 years ago, has about 70 members.
“The immeasurable part of what the continuation of the shed means for both current and future members, is how many men’s lives will it save?” Mr Webb said.
The extension was brought about after the group requested more time to secure a new site.
The Minister for TMR, Mark Bailey, and State Member for Nicklin, Rob Skelton, visited the premises and spoke to the members before the officials announced the group could stay there until 2028.
It was also revealed that TMR would contribute funding to repair the damaged roof at the venue.
Mr Webb said the group would continue to look for a new base, and said they have a $40,000 pledge from Now Buildings giving them a sizeable shed in kit form, and a $10,000 donation from Ray White Nambour to help the group establish at a new site.
“Our five-year plan for a ‘forever home’ will obviously concentrate on finding the right block of land upon, which to erect our donated shed along with other buildings for a shed shop, in which to retail products made by our shedders, office and storage space, kitchen/catering, a common area for smokos and toilet/washroom facilities,” Mr Webb said.
“However, in the shorter term we will direct our attention on expanding our activities within our existing premises and extending our timetable to add a further session for our members working with a disability, as well as the planned introduction of weekend session/s to cater for the needs of prospective members who are still working.”
Meanwhile, Mr Skelton said he was “delighted” to inform the group it could stay for longer.
“Nambour Men’s Shed provides a vital social link for men of all ages in our community, creating a space for them to come together, get on the tools and have a yarn about whatever might be going on in their lives,” he said.
A TMR spokesperson said the department would help the group plan for the future.
“The land owned by TMR in Colless Lane is required for the Beerburrum to Nambour rail corridor project (but) TMR will continue to provide assistance to find a long-term solution (beyond the five years in TMR’s property) for the Nambour Men’s Shed.”
The Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade is set to provide additional track capacity and reliability, creating time savings and increased passenger and freight services to the growing Sunshine Coast region.
Stage 1 of the upgrade is underway and has $550.8 million in funding by state and federal governments. It’s focused mainly on duplicating the line between Beerburrum and Glass House Mountains, along with associated road upgrades and park ‘n’ ride facilities. One of the park ‘n’ rides was recently opened at Nambour.
Levels of government are in discussions regarding funding for future states to deliver the full scope of the business case.
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