WITH the sun beating down on the surrounding gum trees, flies buzzing and blokey laughter to be heard all around, the perfect Aussie scene was set for the opening of the Bombala Men’s Shed last Friday.
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A happy crowd gathered on Water Works Hill to witness the old Rural Fire Service headquarters officially become the Men’s Shed, with Member for Monaro, John Barilaro being among the special guests.
Men’s Shed president, Paul Gimbert welcomed the gathering, commenting on the very long and arduous journey that had finally brought the Men’s Shed Committee to this point.
He explained that a series of challenges had been faced to establish a Men’s Shed in Bombala, and he gratefully acknowledged the many groups and individuals whose dedication had helped the dream become a reality.
Among them was the Men’s Shed members themselves, their wives and partners, and supporters such as the local Country Energy team and the Bombala Council.
Mr Gimbert also thanked Kim Parsons, Janice Rumph and Anna Vincent for originally recognising the need for male based group activities in Bombala, and both Cr Dianne Hampshire and Meryl Lock who further progressed the idea.
Of course there was a long list of others involved and Mr Gimbert acknowledged most, from the RFS for their cooperation, through to Chris Hayley for her support, and the community as a whole.
Mr Barilaro was also praised for his help in the project, and during his own words with the crowd the MP reiterated the important role Men’s Sheds play in promoting social inclusion for men in rural areas.
“The sheds do a remarkable job in providing men with a place to go to talk to others about health issues and participate in the community,” he said.
“Bombala deserves one, and I am happy and honoured to be a part of that.”
Mr Barilaro presented the local Men’s Shed with an electric planer to add to its workshop equipment, and said he looked forward to helping the committee secure the other bits and pieces it will need.
These will be for what is now known as the Derek Deane Workshop, with Anna Vincent giving some background on this founding member’s involvement in the project and the early beginnings of the concept.
Anna was then joined by Kim Parsons to officially cut the ribbon on the Men’s Shed, with students of the St Joseph’s Primary School choir concluding the opening with a very well received performance of several fitting songs.
The gathering shared lunch to further celebrate the occasion, with all looking forward to the community – and our blokes in particular - finally experiencing the benefits of establishing Bombala’s very own Men’s Shed.