Bega men's shed site secured

Positive responses from The Old Bega Hospital (OBH) Reserve Trust and the NSW Department of Primary Industries to a request from the Bega Men’s Shed steering committee have virtually ensured the establishment of a home base at the Old Bega Hospital site.

“Our proposal to lease part of the OBH reserve at south Bega has been accepted by the Trust and the minister and we will now proceed with a formal application,” committee chairman Eric Myers said.

“It is almost three years since the steering committee was formed, and our inability to secure a permanent base has been a real stumbling block.

“I am now very confident that a Bega Men’s Shed will be established and that it will prove to be as successful as those already operating in Merimbula, Eden and Bermagui.

“Our preference has always been to find a permanent site and erect a building suitable for a variety of social and hands-on activities.

“The Old Bega Hospital location is ideal. It is close to Bega and provides easy access to all the essential services.

“However, providing a suitable building for use as a shed workshop will involve significant expenditure on our part and we are now looking at ways to raise the necessary funds,” Mr Myers said.

My Myers said one option under consideration is a car raffle, which has the potential to raise $50,000.

“We have already received ‘in principle’ support from a local motor dealer for that,” he said.

“We will also apply for grants from a number of government and community sources.

“Once we have a building, the national Mens’ Shed Association provides funding for fitting-out and equipment.

“In the interim, the Trust has granted access to the existing detached amenities building for use as a meeting place at no direct monetary cost.

“In return we have agreed to assist with the maintenance of the grounds and to undertake minor on-site repair work.

“When we are fully operational, The Mens’ Shed facility will be of great benefit, not only to the men of Bega and district, but also to the Trust in its efforts to re-establish the site as a major centre for all types of community cultural activities,” Mr Myers said.

Regular monthly meetings of the Bega Men’s Shed committee are held on the first Thursday of each month at noon at the same site and all men are welcome.

For more information contact Eric Meyers on 6492 0289, or the secretary on 6492 0972, 0400 388 202 or fionas@bvmowplus.org.au.