Visit date: Thursday 20th December 2018.
Finding this Shed was a total surprise!
Sorrento is a small seaside town situated near the entrance to the wide expanse of Port Phillip Bay.
We went for an afternoon stroll along the low cliffs to look over the Bay, when I saw a single storey building on what looked like a small neatly kept park. In front of it was a sign that read ‘Point Nepean Men’s Shed’ and beneath ‘Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad Heliport’. Now, very curious, I walked down to the building to take a closer look. To my surprise, there were men inside, so I opened the door and introduced myself. The men introduced themselves as Shed members who were meeting to organise the Shed Christmas Party, and invited me back the following day to attend the General Meeting.
On arrival, I was greeted by Chairman, Tony Phippen, who introduced me to the other Committee members and attendees.
The meeting was being held to organise the arrangements and work required to convert the building for Shed use.
Point Nepean Men’s Shed was founded in June 2018, and the search started to find suitable premises. A few sites were investigated, and one was selected that needs a considerable amount of work doing to it. But then, the recently decommissioned Air/Sea Rescue Helicopter Station was offered to the Shed. This had been achieved with help from the local ‘Lions’ and ‘Rotary’ Clubs.
A long-term lease has been agreed with the local Council, with occupancy being taken in November. Included, is the old cliff top helicopter landing pad, and a fantastic sea view!
A true stroke of luck, I’m sure you agree!
As can be seen, the building is well maintained and of a substantial size comprising of the helicopter hanger, toilets, changing rooms, offices and store rooms. However, due to the lease agreement, and its location, the building cannot be used as a workshop, so the intention is to use it for conferences, handicrafts working groups, and local events. For the use of the building the Shed pay an annual rent of AU$520, and a monthly electricity bill of AU$60.
The other site, though in use, will be developed as the prime workshop area.
Income: The group already has a long list of projects (completed and planned), for local schools and community projects, these being:
- ‘Sausage Sizzles’ Registration with a local Hardware Store chain. Earnings average AU$1200 per pitch
- ‘Sausage Sizzles’: Friday evenings during the autumn for members and the local public
- The restoration of a local school bell, and building a new tower to house it
- Building garden bed structures and multi level planters for Community Gardens
- Insect hotels and wildlife shelters
Other fund-raising schemes being explored are the setting up of an annual ‘Billy Kart’ (soapbox) Derby, and undertaking the maintenance work at the local golf club!
The name badges are very professional, and there is a logo designed ready for use on Shed clothing.
Membership at the time of my visit stood at thirty three. However, latest news is that membership is booming to a point where the Shed is considering a cut-off number.
The membership fee is AU$100 per annum, with tea/coffee at AU$ 2 per weekly visit (if they pay!!).
Self accreditation and Health & Safety issues have yet to be addressed, but there is a defibrillator on site.
I was shown a big Christmas Hamper that had been put together with contributions from local shops and businesses, worth an estimated 100 AU$.
This was the top raffle prize for their forthcoming Christmas Party!
For more information: www.ptnepeanmensshed.com
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