Men’s Shed builds up the Murgon community

1/10/2017

Men’s Shed builds up the Murgon community

• The Murgon Men’s Shed has completed construction of a second shed.
• The extension will give shed members additional work and meeting space.
• The Coalition Government invested $25,000 toward the upgrade.

The members of Murgon’s Men’s Shed will have more space to work after the newly completed extension was opened today.

 Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said the second shed was required to accommodate increasing membership and to provide space for the men’s projects, which include restoration work on horse drawn vehicles and old farming machinery.

“I’m pleased to deliver on my election commitment to Murgon,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Today everyone can see what Men’s Shed projects are all about, with the displays of some of the restoration pieces they’ve been working on and already finished.

“The Men’s Shed forms part of the historic Old Murgon Railway Station right in the heart of town, and is a local landmark as walkers make their way down the rail trail.

“The second shed opening is one of many events celebrated today, with the community also welcoming the new Murgon section of the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail.

“People in Murgon will benefit from this shed which will become of point of increasing activity and engagement in the region.  Men’s Sheds strengthen the community by encouraging participation and supporting volunteers. They can contribute to the growth and development of other local organisations too by sharing resources with them.

“They also serve an important health and wellbeing role by reducing social isolation and improving mental health, particularly among retired and older men, providing mentors for those facing uncertainty in life and who are looking to acquire new skills.”

Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said Men’s sheds provide a great meeting place for local men.

“The Men’s Shed is a great place to work with your hands, learn a new skill or just sit and have a chat,” Minister Nash said.

“I aim to build the kind of communities our children and grandchildren want to either stay in or come back to, and supporting men’s sheds does just that.” 

The Federal Coalition Government invested $25,000 to the project, with the Murgon Men’s Shed Inc. providing the remaining $25,545.