A breakfast meeting recently with the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Sussan Ley and Federal Member for Gilmore, Ann Sudmalis gave Men’s Shed members from Culburra Beach-Orient Point, Greenwell Point, West Nowra and Milton-Ulladulla the chance to share their views. 

Among the challenges the sheds faced was Milton-Ulladulla’s impending loss of its shed as the owner planned to sell the building. 

Mrs Sudmalis visited the Milton-Ulladulla shed recently to discuss plans for the future, which centred on a site along Matron Porter Drive beside Frogs Holla sporting ground that Shoalhaven City Council had offered at low rent. 

However the costs associated with clearing the block, preparing it for a slab to be laid, building a shed and relocating all the group’s equipment were high, and shed representatives approached Mrs Sudmalis to discuss funding options. 

Sheds have become valuable tools in the mental health arena, as well as providing important community resources in which men have carried out low cost repairs for community groups and worked with people with disabilities. 

Mrs Sudmalis said the breakfast was an opportunity for the shed representatives to talk about their achievements and challenges, while helping to shape the national discussion on policies relating to men’s sheds.