The new Kingscliff Men’s Shed committee needs you

A GROUP of residents has begun hard yards to set up a Men’s Shed in Kingscliff.

The group of Kevin Strachan, Vince Silvestro, and Allan May includes a veteran in May who was instrumental in establishing the Pottsville Men’s Shed ten years ago.

“We saw a need here because Pottsville or Tweed are just a bit far to go regularly,” Mr May said.

“Women are great at catching up, but guys are not so good at that. Our focus is on supporting our older community by involving them in something they enjoy and can connect over.”

About 50 people attended an information session last week, including Tweed Shire councillor James Owen, who encouraged the group and expressed the importance placed by the shire on the project.

“We had some robust discussions on the effectiveness of Men’s Sheds, how they are established, and the vital role that the council will play. Now we can move forward, find a suitable site and begin to raise funds.”

A second meeting will be held at the Kingscliff Bowling Club today (Friday, August 16) at 11.30am to establish working and management committees.

The process takes time, and Mr May hoped that with the community’s support and interest from the Tweed Shire and the state government, the group would soon find a suitable site.

“It took two years before we found a block of land for the Pottsville shed.

“It’s a lot of hard work, blood, sweat and tears, but when you see they guys come together, and the women at dinners and events, their appreciation for the Shed is amazing.”

The Banora Point resident and former high school principal has the belief of someone who walks his talk and knows what he is doing is critical.

“When you’ve seen the need and believe you can do something about it, you just got it a go. I mean, that’s it, really. There is so much support in the area, and it’s great to see that the Men’s Sheds are not forgotten and are becoming such an essential part of the community.

“Hopefully, we will soon have somewhere to put our roots down and have somewhere to meet.”

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