Building is set to begin on the Katherine’s Men’s Shed this weekend.
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A grand total of $13,000 has been raised and work on the derelict site will finally start.
“We have been on a fundraising drive and we are grateful to the Katherine people for their generosity,” Men’s Shed secretary Chris Dixon said.
“We are at the stage where we can seriously envisage the new Men's Shed building,” he said.
Funds raised at the recent Laurence and Hansen Electrical annual Trade Show Golf Day, was the tipping point enabling construction to start.
The Men’s Shed will be located at the Rotary Club on Rapide Street where there is already an existing structure.
However, Katherine Men’s Shed chairman Cameron Smith said the site needs to undergo significant refurbishment before being deemed safe.
This weekend a working bee will get started with the nuts and bolts part of the renovation, Mr Dixon said.
“There is still quite a bit of fundraising to get done to complete the Men’s Shed, but it will certainly be open by the end of this year,” Mr Dixon said.
Mr Dixon had the idea over five years ago following calls for a community space.
There was little interest then, but it has definitely picked up now.
“There was a broader community interest in a men’s shed and we hope the Men’s Shed will fill the needs for a community space,” Mr Smith said.
“Primarily, the Men’s Shed is a space for men’s health issues.
Mr Dixon said there is a real need for an inviting and supportive space in Katherine.
“For a certain group of men aged around 50 and up there is a void of things to do.
“If you don’t play sport and you don’t go to the pub, there is nothing to do.
“Usually these older people have years of knowledge and we’re hoping the Men’s Shed can be an opportunity for these men to pass on their knowledge to the younger generation,” Mr Dixon said.
“Men in general and in country need a forum and safe space they can be and have a supportive network that facilitates men’s health.
Mr Dixon said the Katherine Men's Shed is made possible by these sponsors: John Leo, Vista Gold, Lion Nathan, LandMark, Mitie Constructions, DRV4LYF, Cameron Smith, Geoff and Julie Newton, Rotary Club, Solar Living, Katherine Signs, MVEC.
“We need two teams of about three to four people to make this happen. If anyone wants to volunteer, please contact Shed secretary Chris on 0438 808 835 or email kath.mens.shed@gmail.com,” Mr Dixon said.
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