The story so far
Floated in July 2019, the concept of a Men’s Shed in South Arm to serve the Peninsula quickly gained momentum with a survey indicating strong community need and support. Backed by the South Arm Peninsula Residents’ Association Inc (SAPRA), the South Arm Peninsula Men’s Shed Inc was formed in late 2019 and work began on many fronts.
Newsletters in NEWS on this website provide detail of the work and progress achieved. For a consolidated view of the story of the Men’s Shed so far read on.
Support, site, design and funding (2020- March 2022)
Further strong support was received from the South Arm Community Pharmacy, RSL Sub-Branch, our local elected members and many others familiar with the area.
Positive site and process discussions were held with Clarence City Council (CCC) staff and the Aldermen were in support of a Shed (12th October 2020).
Shed designs were developed for the Calverton Oval site with a final design confirmed by the Committee and Members and submitted to Council for a Development Application which was approved with the granting of a Planning Permit in May 2021.
Fundraising has been ongoing with fun Quiz Nights, Bunnings BBQs, a partnership with Harmony Garden Centre, raffles and generous donations from locals and our elected representatives. Our local business community has supported us with Touch of the Mo cafe hosting an Open Mic night and raising $2,000 and MJs Hair Design raising $620. The Shed is also selling garden stakes thanks to Pipeclay Oysters who have donated them as a fund-raiser.
Grant funding applications were successful with $53,000 from the Tasmanian Government through Communities Tasmania, $80,000 from the Australian Government Building Better Regions Fund program and $20,000 from the Stronger Communities Program.
Status of the Project as of early August 2022
Due to operational difficulties with the Calverton Site, in March through April 2022 the Committee investigated a site on the South Arm RSL and Community Club land and confirmed member and CCC support. Work to reaffirm government funding for the shed at the new site commenced in April and grant variations were finalised by early August.
Planning Approval was received for the new site in June 2022 and Building Surveyor and Engineer have been engaged. Clearing of the site, including tree removal, commenced in July 2022 assisted by members at working bees in July and August.
Preparation of the site of the shed and carpark will commence when all the necessary permits are in place. We hope that within a few weeks the building of the shed itself can commence.
The shed will be ordered as soon as the engineer’s planning work is done, and the building surveyor gives the go ahead. The Shed design has been reviewed and believed to be appropriate to our needs. Provision of solar panels in the future is being factored into the design.
Target Completion
We cannot be sure of the date of completion due to the current supply chain backlog but believe that a date prior to the end of the year is achievable.
We are more confident, however, that the shed and amenities will be fully functional by the end of June 2023.