Member for Caloundra Mark McArdle has thrown his support behind the Caloundra Men’s Shed in their quest to secure a permanent location and donation of land.
I have been supporting the Caloundra Men’s Shed in their quest to secure a permanent location and donation of land. The not-for-profit organisation currently operates on a year-to-year lease arrangement with Sunshine Coast Council which does not guarantee them the security they need.
Mr McArdle has worked closely with the tight-knit not-for-profit organisation who currently operate on a year-to-year lease arrangement with Sunshine Coast Council.
“Unfortunately while they do have a lease, that does not guarantee them the security they need for an ever expanding club with more than 60 members,” Mr McArdle said.
“The Caloundra Men’s Shed are pushing for the donation of land and an ideal location could be in Allen St which would be central to many people. The club already occupies the land but needs a long-term lease to grow its services.
“I have written to the Natural Resources and Mines Minister twice seeking a meeting to discuss this option and we hope to have some good news in the near future.”
Mr McArdle said the benefits to the local community were far-reaching.
“Men’s Sheds are important, enabling men to get together and enjoy mutual activities and talk about their concerns. Men don’t do that; talk about themselves, their problems, fears and aspirations. A men’s shed is one way of making this a reality.
“The Caloundra Men’s Shed and Australian Men’s Shed Movement has many benefits including reducing social isolation, loneliness and depression and providing a platform for men to talk among themselves and their issues in a collaborative environment.
“Women naturally talk about many things. Contrast men who have to often be dragged to get help – often when things have reached a crisis point.
“Men’s Sheds are vital to the ‘health’ of all our communities.”
The Caloundra Men’s Shed currently operates on the corner of Allen and Queen St, Moffat Beach between 8am-1pm Tuesday-Thursday. Membership is $50 a year plus $5 per week. All enquiries can be sent to PO Box 6046, Meridan Plains Q 4551.