Old Bar Men’s Shed will soon leave their home at Club Old Bar for a permanent residence at E G Trad Sport Fields.
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The move dates back to the beginning of the Men’s Shed in 2011 when they were given space on the premises of the club.
Over the years, 13 different sites around Old Bar were identified as possible options for a move.
They were eventually given the green light to relocate to the western end of the sport fields.
Old Bar Men’s Shed president David Denning said the merger of Greater Taree, Great Lakes and Gloucester councils threw a spanner into the works.
“We were given land over the other side of the oval when Ron Posselt (former Greater Taree City Council general manager) was there,” David said.
“When MidCoast Council came in, they said we couldn’t do it due to being zone and environmentally sensitive.”
It’s really important for fellowship, mental health, socialising and independence
- David Denning, Old Bar Men's Shed president
The group then received reduced space at a location adjacent to the rugby field.
Old Bar’s Faine Group Architects worked with the group to draw up plans and apply for a development approval (DA).
To move forward with the project, the group now needs a licensed building contractor to work with them to begin construction.
Mr Denning said the project will be undertaken in two stages.
The installation of the shed, which was donated by a Queensland based company, will form stage one.
Stage two will see extensions added onto the site.
On completion, the shed will be decked out with an open area, covered awning and a work space.
Mr Denning said a fully functioning Men’s Shed plays an important role into the lives of the men it services.
“It helps the older men get out and communicate with other men,” Mr Denning said.
“It’s really important for fellowship, mental health, socialising and independence.”
In the meantime, Mr Denning said that the shed will continue to apply for grants and call for community support.
The group recently assisted The Rotary Club of Forster Old Bar Beach with the construction of a beach walkway near Old Bar Public School.
Members are also busily assisting Taree Arts Council with building sets for this year’s production of Les Miserables.
“We have five men working on it Wednesdays and Thursdays,” Mr Denning said.
“We did the sets for the last three shows before this one.”