CONSTRUCTION of the new Berri Community Men’s Shed is progressing well, with members expecting to begin using the building by the middle of the year.
Work on the shed, located next to the Berri Church of Christ, began last July after the church received a $20,000 grant through the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Program.
Men’s Shed member Ian Campbell said the group was making steady progress towards opening the shed.
“It was very slow at the start, but now we have the internal walls up and we will be putting the lining up in the next couple of weeks, so it is starting to come together,” he said.
“We’ve been given a complete set of cupboards and a stove for the shed’s kitchen.
“Our biggest hold-up at this stage is that we have to get plumbing in and that’s going to cost about $20,000 for a new septic tank and drains, but once that’s in and the kitchen is finished we should be up and running.”
Mr Campbell said 30 people had expressed interest in joining the shed already, though he suspects many more will get involved once the facility is completed.
“I think there’s a lot of men around the town who will be interested in joining in,” he said.
“Some don’t want to commit to anything until they see what’s happening, but I’m sure there’s a lot who want to come along and spend their time here because there’s not a lot for the older men to do around town.
“Even if they just come and sit around to chat and have a cuppa, it’s good for mental health.”
Mr Campbell said the group had received several donations of equipment to help fit out the shed.
“Just last week we had a bench saw and a band saw given to us by the Loxton Men’s Shed, and the Waikerie Men’s Shed has given us a lathe,” he said.
“There was also a lady whose husband had died and she wanted to get rid of a shed full of stuff, so we got quite a few hand tools and saws from her.
“So, we’re slowly getting the equipment going.
“By June we hope to be up and running and have everything organised, and once the building’s finished we should be able to move into it and get working.”
For more information, visit the Berri Community Men’s Shed group on Facebook.