In Kangaroo Valley we, a group of resident men, are attempting to establish a Men’s Shed. ‘Kangaroo Valley Men’s Shed’ (KVMS) commenced mid-2022 with a core number of men meeting in residential homes. Interest has expanded to conducting meetings in local facilities hosting more than 20 men. In its first six months, KVMS formed a Steering Committee and has now completed registration as an incorporated association with NSW Fair Trading,and successfully registered membership with Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA).
Our focus is on ensuring the good health and well-being of the men in Kangaroo Valley. Most men are reluctant to talk about their emotions, and that means that they usually won’t ask for help, which can result in taking more lifestyle risks and suffering from isolation and loneliness, and feelings of depression. We aim to alleviate these issues by providing a community where men can be productive, connect with friends, maintain an active body and mind and give back to our wonderful community. Simply put, we aim to provide a safe haven where men can create positive experiences together in an atmosphere of old-fashioned mateship, without pressure.
Being a rural community, one would think we would have spare sheds in abundance. However, after much investigation and research, a readily available and suitable facility to house and create a Men’s Shed does not exist in the Valley. This is very disheartening, even more so given the recent trials of bushfires, COVID lockdowns, flooding, and road damage we have experienced, which have further limited Kangaroo Valley residents’ access to health and well-being support.
Currently, KVMS are liaising with Shoalhaven City Council to find a suitable site or a venue in which to establish a Men’s Shed, but we have not yet been successful. Council have been understanding and cooperative in our request to establish a new shed, but also have many Council requirements which must be achieved first. They have made it clear that the ownership and effort required to create a new shed is solely up to the actions of our community in Kangaroo Valley.
We are also aware of the grants available to resource a Men’s Shed; however these grants do not cover the construction of an appropriately specified shed structure. Therefore, we have also reached out to Fiona Phillips, Federal Member for Gilmore, for assistance in promoting KVMS and identifying potential grant opportunities.
As fellow community members, we would love to have your support to establish our shed in Kangaroo Valley, through any of the following means:
- vocalise your support with Shoalhaven City Council to encourage proactive ownership in the allocation of land to the creation of a new KV Men’s Shed;
- if you are aware of a land site or shed that is available, please let us know;
- if you can provide support with tools, equipment, or monetary donations; or
- if would like to join us.
Please reach out to Kangaroo Valley Men’s Shed. With your help we can offer the men of Kangaroo Valley opportunities to deliver meaningful outcomes for ourselves and our broader community.
Steering Committee
Bruce Preston, Chairman – 0421-016-068
Barry Simpson, Vice-chairman – 0418-394-699
Matthew Southworth, Secretary – 0416-110-458
Jason Shepherd, Planning Manager – 0404-811-439
Collin Anderson, Workshop Manager – 0412-076-683
Email: kvmensshed@gmail.com.
Matthew Southworth