Deputy Mayor Alan Beard today handed members of the Alexandra Hills Men’s Shed a “Permit to Occupy” the old Alexandra Hills Scout Hall – giving the group a new home of its own.
The group, which has been meeting at the Redlands Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) in Capalaba for more than a year, will renovate the disused William Street hall to comply with building code standards – breathing new life into an existing community venue.
Cr Beard said that for now the hall remained a construction site, but that Council will continue to support the Men’s Shed efforts to convert it into a usable space as well as provide support to the group through accessing training and funding opportunities.
“The popular Men’s Shed program is a growing phenomenon in the Redlands, with groups located throughout the City,” Cr Beard said.
“Open to men of all ages, the program strives to promote improved men’s health, reduce social isolation and strengthen community cohesion whilst providing opportunities to work on practical community projects.
“I am pleased to see the Alexandra Hills Men’s Shed is on the way to having a home of its own.
“It’s been good of the Redland PCYC to accommodate the group but what they really need is their own space. Their current workshop at the PCYC is in a shipping container donated by Linfox – a tight squeeze now that the group’s size has swelled to thirty or more,” he said.
“Once the William Street renovations are complete, the men will be able to come together in their own space, in their own time, to share knowledge, experience and friendship within this group.
“The Alexandra Hills Men’s Shed has a very big restoration job ahead, but this task itself is consistent with the ideals and aspirations of the program.
“I intend to be a regular visitor once restoration is complete and the group has moved into their new home.”
