By Cam Lucadou-Wells
There’s one key ingredient missing from Endeavour Hills Mens Shed – and that is a shed to call home.
With the backing of a massive 1265-signature petition, the popular group has made a desperate plea to Casey Council for a site at Sydney Pargeter Reserve.
The Shed’s committee has negotiated a long and fruitless 18 months with the council for a home.
In the interim, the council has offered a shared space at Essex Park Community Place.
It’s fine for meetings and social activities, but lacks space for a manual workplace, president Trevor Ratcliffe says.
“It’s not a long-term solution.”
It hasn’t stopped the 40-strong group from industriously helping the community – as well as supporting senior gents in their physical and mental health.
The group has worked off-site – at their members’ sheds and garages – to build toys, shelves, planter boxes and playground equipment for charities, schools and kindergartens.
They’ve also undertaken voluntary projects for Endeavour Hills library and Parks Victoria.
But with their own shed, the group could set up permanent workbenches.
They could also follow the varied interests of its members such as upholstery, lead-lighting, metalwork, car renovations and scalextrics.
And more fully enshrine its purpose as a vital social hub for men, such as retired gents with time on their hands.
“Most Mens Sheds have their own premises. We’d like to replicate what they have at Akoonah Park (Mens Shed in Berwick),” Mr Ratcliffe said.
“Doing the work is good. The guys enjoy it but we can’t do it at our own premises.”
The preferred site is part of Police Paddocks, and is managed by Casey Council on behalf of the owner, the State Government.
Parks Victoria has provided its blessing for the Shed to base itself on the land, as well as a mountain of petitioners.
It reflects the wide amount of voluntary work done by the group and its presence at community events at Endeavour Hills and beyond, Mr Ratcliffe says.
“Many people ask us why do you have to do a petition? This is a no-brainer.”
On receiving the petition, Casey Council resolved on 2 October for a report on the issue by December.
In the meantime, Casey is awaiting the imminent completion of a lands and assets review before committing to acquiring the site.
In support, Cr Rosalie Crestani said the Shed members were “our brothers, parents, uncles, grandparents and great-grandparents”.
“You’ve all worked hard, raised families, served the community and many have lived a good portion of your lives in the City of Casey.
“They want to continue to serve in Endeavour Hills Mens Shed.”
