Mount Isa’s newest Menshed opened its doors for the first time on Saturday, June 10.
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Mates Men’s Shed coordinator Gary Osman said the new shed based at the Mount Isa Neighbourhood Centre was inclusive is inclusive of all men 18 years and over as a place to meet weekly for a barbie, cuppa, meet new mates, or carry out activities of choice and contribute to community projects.
Around a dozen people including Mount Isa Deputy Mayor Phil Barwick came to the launch to enjoy a barbie and find out more about the concept.
“Today is the official launch but it has been designed for several months now, we’ve been working six months working out an auspice agreement with the Neighbourhood Centre,” Mr Osman said.
“The Shed inclusive of all men, whether you are mainstream or if you Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or men with disability – it is opened up to all men.”
Mr Osman said they would be setting up a structure where members would have a say in what they do and choose what activities they want to get involved in.
At the moment the new shed has meeting rooms but nothing yet to do practical work.
“We are in the process of getting tools, we have a couple of small tools and we are looking for a larger men’s shed,” Mr Osman said.
“We have an arrangement with the Neighbourhood Centre to run the other facilities here such as mentoring and meetings, it’s got beautiful grounds.
Mr Osman said the rest would come in due course.
“We’ve got a grant coming to get new tools,” he said.
The Shedders main objective is to advance the health, wellbeing and lifestyle of all men and there will be regular meetings at the shed from noon to 4pm every Saturday.
There is a $5 fee including the barbie.
“Every Saturday we will have a sausage sizzle and a bit of a get together and we’ll learn what men want to do with their time,” Mr Osman said.
“We need them to make the choices not a committee saying this what you should do.”
You can come into the Neighbourhood Centre between 9am and 3pm to get an inquiry form.