After many years in the making, St Clair and District Men’s Shed officially opened its brand-new building on Wednesday.
Located on the CatholicCare site at Mamre House in Orchard Hills, the shed will provide a place for the members to maintain active minds and bodies.
The group originally started in 2013 in St Clair with eight inaugural members and a few years later became registered with the Australian Men’s Shed Association.
After spending years trying to find a suitable permanent location for the growing club, the men are thrilled to have a new shed which has been funded by community grants from the State Government and local organisations.
Mulgoa MP and Shed Patron, Tanya Davies officially opened the building and said it was great to finally see the finished product.
“Many people thought at some point we were never going to get here but I was not one of those people,” Ms Davies said.
“I want to thank those who have given from their own companies, the community has come together to support and help establish another really important community service which is the St Clair and District Men’s Shed.”
Shed President, Paul Tarlinton said the organisation is so beneficial for men to have a space where they can keep busy with their mates.
“It is a big relief to have a facility that will accommodate our 56 members as we have grown quite a bit in the last few years, and it means a lot to every person in a different way,” Mr Tarlinton said.
“We have people who have medical issues, PTSD or some trauma from serving but all the fellas come here and mix in to be a great group.”
Mr Tarlinton said the Men’s Shed will be getting out into the community more and growing their connections with other local groups, while new members are also welcome.
“We do fundraising BBQs so get to meet people all the time and will be doing more regular shopping centre promotions,” he said.
“We are involved with quite a few groups within our community like schools and preschools and we love helping out where we can.”
Emily Feszczuk
A graduate of Western Sydney University, Emily covers Local, State and Federal politics for the Weekender, as well as crime and general news.