For the third time in five years, Newcastle Men's Shed is being forced to find a new home.
When signing the lease for their current base at Hamilton North last year, members of the not-for-profit were under the impression they would be offered a 3x3 year lease at the end of the 12-month contract in August this year.
Despite months of hard work to bring the current shed at Clyde Street up to compliant standards, the group learned in January the option to extend their lease was no longer available.
With just two and a half months left before the lease ends, Newcastle Men's Shed is still yet to secure a new base and members have turned to the community for help finding a suitable location.
The average age of Newcastle's members, affectionately known as 'Shedders' is around 70-years-old and constantly having to relocate has proved challenging for older members.
The popularity and success of the Newcastle Men's Shed has given members hope they will have funding and a site for the construction of their own shed sometime in the next two years but for the immediate future, the outlook is less positive.
As a not-for-profit, Newcastle Men's Shed can only afford to pay a small of rent, but Paul Schiebaan said they're hoping to create a partnership arrangement or a collaborative working relationship with a willing property owner.
The Shed's Grants, Sponsorship and Public Officer Paul Schiebaan said they're hoping to find a space close to the city as many members are retirees and downsizers who have moved to the inner-city.
"It provides a place for men in retirement where they can meet fellow men, make things, share things, and do work in the community," he said.
"But the most important thing is that it's so beneficial, and proven to be beneficial, for your mental and physical wellbeing."
Ideally, the new shed would need to be between 250 and 300 square metres in size to ensure there is plenty of room for the group's heavy machinery and its members.
NMS is hoping there is somebody, politician or otherwise, who can help the group find a new home.
"All we want is a place to call home where we know we have tenure where our members can meet and do the community work we're renowned for, as well as their own projects which keep them healthy in retirement," said Mr Schiebaan.
"So if there is a shed vacant which they are willing to lease to us, please come forward, approach us, and hopefully we can strike a deal."
More information about Newcastle Men's Shed's situation is available here.
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| Image: Newcastle Men's Shed Inc on Facebook |
