Green light for Kyneton Men’s Shed
It is all systems “GO” for the new Kyneton Men’s Shed following the signing of a long-term lease agreement with Bupa Aged Care.
North west view artist design of proposed Kyneton Men's Shed at Bupa Kyneton.
After more than a two year search for a new home, one of the oldest Men's Sheds in Australia is set to be rebuilt, bigger and better than ever, overlooking Riverwalk Boulevard, Kyneton.
The long-term lease agreement comes after the Macedon Ranges Shire Council granted a planning permit for a 16 by 22 metre shed.
Chairman of the Kyneton Men’s Shed Mr Mitchell said he was delighted Bupa had offered to provide land and carparking and to help pay for the construction.
"The Kyneton Men's Shed provides men with a genuine focus, plays a vital role in alleviating loneliness, and allows men to meet with other men to discuss issues like current affairs, hobbies, sport, travel and local issues.”
Mr Mitchell said both the new lease agreement and the council permit mark significant milestones in the development of the new shed.
“This has been a long time coming,” he said.
"We will now seek a building permit and believe construction work should start in March, with the new shed being ready to use around June.”
South east view artist design of proposed Kyneton Mens Shed at Bupa Kyneton.
The new shed has been designed to tie in with Bupa’s existing care home and will incorporate an office, lunchroom/meeting room, kitchen, library, comprehensive and workshop.
The area around the shed will also be landscaped and include raised vegetable gardens.
“Now we need to get into some serious fund raising,” Mr Mitchell said.
“We need another $25,000 so that we can pay our share of the overall cost, and this needs to happen in the next six months. This will be a real challenge for us,” he said.
He's called on local businesses and the people of Kyneton to help.
“This shed is an integral part of the Kyneton community and undertakes considerable work for local organisations including schools, clubs, the shire and individuals."
Bupa Kyneton General Manager, Katrina Bolmat said the facility" would help residents to live longer, healthier, happier lives.
"We’re delighted to be supporting the Kyneton Men’s Shed which plays such a vital role in serving the needs of our local community," she said.
At Bupa, it’s important for us to support local health needs and help our residents to stay connected with their communities through programs like the Men’s Shed.
Mr Mitchell wanted to thank everyone who has been helping, and with a special thanks for shed member Noel Henderson.
“Without Noel’s help we would have been in great trouble. He not only gave us a $10,000 donation but joined the shed as a member and has almost single handedly steered the project from ‘go’ to today’s significant announcement.”
The existing Kyneton Men's Shed is currently located at the top of Mollison Place and is open Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 3pm. New members are always welcome.
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