Harvey Men’s Shed makes its soft opening in town despite the group not having an official shed

With the Brunswick Junction Men’s Shed running for years and the renovated space in Leschenault recently unveiled, Harvey can now boast it too has a Men’s Shed.

The Harvey Men’s Shed opened it’s doors last Tuesday in a temporary location being borrowed from the Harvey Rotary Club.

The club does not yet have a proper established shed, but has opened the doors to its new location packed with tools, machinery and sawdust.

Shed chairman Jeff Gale said the group found itself in a peculiar situation, but with the support of the Harvey shire and use of Harvey Rotary Club’s shed they can get started.

Mr Gale said the Men’s Shed was a great way to keep people busy once they have retired, or when they have time off from work.

“Mental health is a big issue,” he said.

“It is great to just come along and have a cup of tea and have a talk to other people.”

Shed secretary Paul Beech said it has taken two years for the group to get to the point they are at now with a gap left in the community after Southwest Community Care closed.

“We got together and said ‘look, we’ve got to replace that,” he said.

“And people in Harvey just get on and get things done, and that’s why we are here.”

Member of the organising committee Charlie Baggetta said despite being a builder and having his own private set-up, he still put his hand up to be part of the group.

He said the shed gives him the opportunity to meet new people and socialise.

In the future, the group hopes to build a new shed near the bowls club with shire support.

Mr Gale said it is likely the Rotary Club’s shed will remain their location for some time, but thanks to the donations from the community and support from groups such as Alcoa, the temporary shed will allow them the space needed to continue building their community.

With more than 30 local members, the Harvey Men’s Shed is open to anyone wanting to develop new skills or have a cup of tea and a chat.