Community & Business
23 March, 2024
Little bit of help for men’s shed
WATER and sewer connection fees will be waived for a new building constructed by the Malanda Men’s Shed.
Tablelands Regional Council agreed to waived $3983 in fees to connect the services to a a new shed that has been built on land owned by the Malanda Bowls Club.
The project has cost the organisation over $80,000 which has been funded through fund-raising efforts and a grant of $35,000, and numerous volunteer hours from members.
Men’s Shed president Graham King wrote to council requesting the waiver, explaining the importance of the organisation to the town.
“At present, we have about 45 members. It is important to these members as it gives older members of our community a sense of worth where they can come and enjoy the company of other men and use the knowledge they have for the benefit of their community,” he wrote.
“Over the past two years, the Men’s Shed has assisted a number of Malanda community organisations – for example, Butchers Creek State School, Malanda State School, Malanda High School, Malanda Kindergarten, Malanda RSL Sub-Branch, and Tablelands Wildlife Rescue.”
The organisation raises funds from memberships, donations, grants, market stalls, and the Tablelands Car and Bike Show.
“Many of our members are over 70 years of age with health issues and are not able to participate in activities at the new shed as there is currently no toilet,” Mr King wrote.
“Once the toilet and wash basin has been installed, the shed will provide many hours of enjoyment for the members in helping complete projects for the shed and the community.”
TRC Deputy Mayor Cr Kevin Cardew said the Men’s Shed deserved support because they had “scraped every penny they could get to get to the stage where they are now, so a little bit of support from council at this end for a very worthy cause” was appropriate.
