Construction will soon begin on an extension to the Tocumwal Men’s Shed after community groups donated $9000 to the cause.
The 50m² extension will cater to the Men’s Shed’s growing list of members, according to secretary Colin Jones.
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‘‘We had an increase in membership recently and needed more space,’’ he said.
The Tocumwal Rotary Club donated $5000 to the project, which is expected to cost about $20,000.
Tocumwal Golf and Bowls Club pitched in $4000 through a Clubs Grant.
The Men’s Shed will make up the difference using its own reserves.
Construction on the extension — which has already received approval from council — is expected to start ‘‘within the next few months’’.
Membership at the Tocumwal Men’s Shed has grown to 17 in recent months, but members expect that could soon grow to 20 or 25.
‘‘We haven’t really been pushing too hard (for members), but they just keep on coming,’’ Mr Jones said.
The Men’s Shed hosts a variety of ex-tradespeople and farmers who spend their Tuesday and Thursday mornings working on projects or, more often than not, stopping by for a chat and their morning brew.
Rotary Club president Ashok Kulandaisamy presents Men’s Shed treasurer Peter Houston with a $5000 cheque.
‘‘A lot of people that come down aren’t necessarily building anything, they just enjoy the social aspect and stop by for a chat and coffee.
‘‘This space is important for older men, it gives them a place to socialise, and talk about any problems they might have.’’
Tocumwal Rotary Club president Ashok Kulandaisamy said the Men’s Shed was ‘‘another great community project that Rotary is proud to support’’.
‘‘We believe in helping people, and the Men’s Shed is a great place to assist with men’s mental health both directly and indirectly.’’
The Tocumwal Men’s Shed operates between 9.30am and 11.30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The shed is located on Deniliquin St and is well signed.
For more information, call Mr Jones on 0428 839 228.
