Help wanted: Nambour Men’s Shed forced to find new home

Some of the Nambour Men’s Shed’s 70 members at the shed last week.  

Men’s Shed President, Col Webb… “Our members are from all walks of life and our organisation provides a welcoming and friendly place for them to make important social connections.”

For many men, the local men’s shed offers somewhere to go, something to do and mates that make it all worthwhile. Since 2011, the Nambour Men’s Shed has provided friendship and social connections for men in the community. 

It has operated from Colless Lane in Nambour since 2015, in premises that are made available by the state government on a peppercorn rental basis.

Since July 2022, the Nambour Men’s Shed has been faced with the challenge of finding a suitable new home by September 30 this year.

“In July last year, the Department of Transport and Main Roads informed our committee members that the government required the use of the land,” said Men’s Shed President, Col Webb. 

“We were told that the land had been set aside to be used as a transport corridor for the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade project. It has been a huge blow to our group.”

A second meeting between the Men’s Shed committee, TMR and the Sunshine Coast Council was held in November last year and the TMR and Sunshine Coast Council informed the Men’s Shed they were unable to find other suitable premises or assist with the relocation.

The Nambour Men’s Shed is open five days a week and has around 70 members for whom it provides a ‘home away from home’.

“Our members are from all walks of life and our organisation provides a welcoming and friendly place for them to make important social connections and participate in projects and meaningful work that has all kinds of positive impacts on the wider community,” Mr Webb said.

“For some of our members, this is the most beneficial and important part of their lives. It would be absolutely devastating to us if we had to shut down. It has been suggested to us that we merge with another Men’s Shed in the area and that seems like an obvious solution, but in reality, it is not that simple,” he said.

“All Men’s Sheds operate under the same charter, but each one is so unique. Our members have formed friendships and bonds over many years and it is just not as easy as joining another group.”

The NMS has formed the Save Our Shed (SOS) sub committee, charged with the task of finding another home for the group. 

“We have looked at a range of different options but so far nothing suitable has come up,” said Mr Webb.

The NMS committee has sought assistance from State Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton and Sunshine Coast Council Division 10 Councillor David Law, but with the clock counting down, they are still no closer to finding a solution.

“The last thing we want is to have to close down but that is the reality we face if we can’t find new premises soon,” Mr Webb said.

“So now we are putting the call out to the community to see if there is someone who can help.

“Nambour is a tremendous town and we hope there may be someone who can assist. We would love to hear from anyone who has land or a shed available which they were prepared to gift, or offer under a perpetual lease. Donations of help in kind would also be welcome.”

If you can help, please contact the Nambour Men’s Shed on 5441 2527 or at info@nambourmensshed.com.au.