A SIGNIFICANT milestone was reached this week for the Nambucca Heads Men’s Shed, with the official handover of the Land Title for their premises, marking the end of a ten-year search for a permanent home.
In a symbolic moment, long-time President of the Men’s Shed, John Kent OAM, received the Land Title document from Stuart Holmes, representing the now-disbanded Nambucca Heads Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA).
The VRA, which vacated the premises five years ago, was forced to close due to a decline in volunteer numbers, a situation that reflects a broader trend in volunteer organisations nationwide.
“The lack of willingness by many members of the community to volunteer is having negative impacts right across our community’s volunteer sector and, in our case, it ended us,” former VRA member Steve Ryan told News Of The Area.
For Mr Kent, who is set to step down as President at the organisation’s AGM in August, the transfer represents the culmination of years of effort.
“To finally have a permanent home for the Men’s Shed after years of working towards it is really something remarkable,” he told NOTA.
He acknowledged the role of various government grants and the steadfast support from the Nambucca Heads RSL Club in helping the group keep its doors open during the past decade.
“Now, the days of having to pay rent just to exist are finally behind us,” Mr Kent said.
He praised the collective effort of the Shed’s 36 members and commended the former VRA members for their generosity and community-mindedness in facilitating the transfer.
The considerable efforts of local solicitor Terry Perkins, who provided the legal services required for the transfer, free of charge, were also recognised.
The significance of this event stretches beyond bricks and mortar.
According to the Australian Men’s Shed Association, Men’s Sheds play a vital role in addressing social isolation and mental health among men, particularly those in retirement or living alone.
Former VRA member and current Men’s Shed stalwart Stuart Holmes emphasised this point.
“An ambulance may go to the bottom of a cliff to pick up the pieces, so I see the Men’s Shed as being the ambulance parked at the top of the cliff,” he said.
“Just as the VRA saved lives, I believe Men’s Sheds also save lives.”
By Mick BIRTLES
