Spot secured for new Kyneton Men’s Shed

Kyneton Men's Shed has secured a deal to build a new shed. Pictured from left Steve Jones, Tony Paterson ( secretary/treasurer ) and John Mitchell ( Chairman ). Photo: Shawn Smits.

The final piece of the puzzle is in place for the construction of Kyneton’s new men’s shed.

After more than a two-year search, Kyneton Men’s Shed has secured a spot overlooking the Campaspe River.

Chairman John Mitchell said finding the site, located between Riverwalk Boulevard and Bupa Aged Care, was a huge relief.

“Late last year we had almost given up hope of ever getting land,” Mr Mitchell.

“It means we’ve now got certainty and it means we’ll have one of the best men’s sheds in Australia.”

“The new shed will be almost twice the size of the existing shed.”

Plans for the new building include a library, kitchen, meeting room and large workshop, with raised vegetable gardens to be included in the landscaping. Mr Mitchell said the group hoped construction would start before the end of the year.

The land has been provided by Bupa, which has also offered to match the shed’s contribution to the build.

Mr Mitchell said Bupa would put $100,000 into the construction. The state government has contributed $60,000 and grants have been provided by Cobaw Community Health, local businessman Noel Henderson and artist Daniel Butterworth.

The men’s group has almost finished fundraising for the remaining balance.

The men’s shed organisation was set up as an informal setting to advise and improve the overall health of all males. The Kyneton shed has been operating since 1997, and is the second oldest men’s shed in Australia.