Council land should be made available for Campbelltown men’s sheds in the same way as parks, reserves and sporting fields are, says Councillor Darcy Lound.
Speaking at last night’s meeting, the Labor Party leader on Campbelltown Council urged council to support the establishment of men’s, women’s and community sheds.
Cr Darcy was backing a proposal for council to establish a new policy regarding sheds on council land.
Under the policy the council general manager would facilitate any applications for a shed on council land for up to five years.
The proposal has come to council because Campbelltown in 2023 does not have a single active men’s shed.
Two previously active sheds, Macquarie Fields and Campbelltown, have had to close down after their respective leases ended and were not renewed.
The Campbelltown men’s shed was established and became active for just a few months before the lease expired and was not renewed by the landowners. Some of its members are pictured above with MP Greg Warren on council owned land in Ruse, discussing options for new premises.
Men’s sheds are diverse, community based organisations which operate on a not for profit basis in order to allow members to meet and work within a safe, friendly environment on meaningful projects for individuals and the wider community.
Cr Darcy told the council that men’s sheds provided some very important services.
“Whether it’s someone who is retired and looking for something to do, or even someone who recently lost someone, sheds like these provide somewhere to go and be with other people in similar situations.
“That is why we should support this, the same as we support the provision of sporting facilities for our community sporting organisations.
“I commend the council plan and will be supporting the motion,’’ Cr Darcy said.
A majority of councillors voted in favour of the motion, so now it’s a matter of time before the two men’s sheds which have been in contact with council become active once again.
But with the new policy in place, other men’s, women’s and community sheds will be able to apply to council.
Each application will be treated on its merits, but it’s worth nothing that only sheds that are current members of the Australian Men’s Shed Association – and that remain a member for the life of the agreement – will be considered.
