LISMORE’S Men’s Shed faces an uncertain future after April 2016, according to the group’s leaders.
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The group operates from the former ambulance base next to the town’s health centre, on land owned by South West Healthcare (SWH).
But Men’s Shed committee members say the health service is only offering a yearly lease when the current arrangement expires.
Men’s Shed president Peter Grech said it would be disappointing to have to move and, despite an offer for land from the Corangamite Shire on a lease basis, it would take time and money to build a new shed.
Mr Grech said the current location was perfect because many of the men made their healthcare appointments to fit in with shed visits.
SWH Camperdown and Lismore Community Health manager Rebecca Van Wollingen said the service had supported the shed from its very beginnings.
“While not a SWH project, we’ve provided the Men’s Shed committee with rent-free space for the past two years,” Ms Van Wollingen said. “It’s fantastic to see that this initiative has become such a great success — to the extent that it’s outgrown its current location.
“Now that the committee is looking for a larger facility, we’re keen to help them find a space to enable them to continue growing their group.
“At the same time, we’ve also offered to renew their lease on a yearly basis, as appropriate.”
Mr Grech said there would be enough room at the present site if the group was allowed to install a storage container.
“There seems to be some issues about that, even though it would be well away from all service lines,” he said.
Mr Grech said the group also had some concerns about conditions associated with the lease.
Corangamite Shire councillor Geoff Smith said the shire was prepared to come to a deal with the group over a council-owned block in William Street.
Cr Smith said the group had made a submission to council when it advertised its intention to sell a block at 53-55 William Street.
“Once they have a site secured they can go about sourcing funding to build their shed to the specifications they need,” he said.
Cr Smith said the Men’s Shed was of huge benefit to the community.