Men’s Shed initiative for the City of Hobart

Alderman Jeff Briscoe said today there is no registered Men’s Shed in Hobart. Members of The Rotary Club of Salamanca identified this need and are exploring options with Alderman Briscoe to facilitate creating a Men’s Shed in Hobart.

“I have put a notice of motion into the HCC for a report to start the process to identify the need and possible sites and existing under-utilized sheds on Council land in association with the Salamanca Rotary Club,” Alderman Briscoe said

“Possible sites that have been identified include near the recycling centre at McRobies Gully tip (which could provide synergies with the Resource Cooperative) and places on the Domain including the old quarry whose council use may be changing in the near future.“

The criteria for a Men’s Shed include ideally: be close to the city, facilities connected, existing or relocated shed; and good public transport, said Alderman Briscoe

“The Men’s Shed movement is a growing and important social one for men in Tasmania and fulfills a need in the community for blokes to get together and work on their own projects or community ones whilst having access to that experience and knowledge that can be called upon.

“The Men’s Shed movement has been widely praised; as they contribute to a positive social role for the participants;and also a means for skills to be passed on to a younger group.

“One possible project for a Men’s Shed group is restoring some of the historic trams that are owned by the city and privately owned. The cost of the restoration of the other historic trams was huge for the Council and in the present financial situation this may be a more cost effective way to go.

“But there are other community and private projects that could be tackled by a Hobart Men’s Shed”
Alderman Jeff Briscoe Chair of Parks committee HCC, Candidate for Deputy Lord Mayor October 2014 HCC Elections