In a Mayoral Minute announced last night, Wednesday 3 June 2020, Mayor Steve Christou moved a motion to waive all future lease charges for Men's Sheds operating out of Cumberland City Council-owned buildings.
"Over the course of the past week, I have been honoured to visit some of the local Men's Sheds operating out of Council-owned buildings, and I have witnessed firsthand the vital work being undertaken by these groups for our community,” said Mayor Christou.
"A Men’s Shed is a place where new skills are learnt and shared across wood and metal work, arts and crafts, gardening, and the use of technology as well as simply by being together in a special place to socialise and share experiences.
"The sense of a person's loss of worth once becoming retired or experiencing sudden loss of employment or break down of a marriage is replaced with the renewed opportunity to find something fulfilling, as well as the opportunity to create a partnership with other community groups that serve the wider community and enhance many lives.
"Suicide is also a real issue amongst all groups, particularly men. There is a lack of assistance available to men going through mental illnesses when compared to other groups, and also a lack of willingness of men to come out and address their issues. I believe this is due to the stigma associated with men speaking out.
"Men's Sheds are one such avenue where these issues can be addressed, but also where valuable community initiatives are undertaken."
The importance of local Men's Sheds operations has become increasingly important as a result of COVID-19. Many more Australians have suffered employment loss, lost their livelihoods and are experiencing heightened levels of stress, which can result in the development of mental illness.
"Having a local Men's Shed to go to and experience camaraderie, support and renew one’s self-fulfilment is crucially important to the Cumberland community. I am a big believer that these facilities save lives and provide significant benefit to our community," said Mayor Steve Christou.
"Council has continually supported our local Men's Sheds operations, and I note that these groups have been successful in obtaining some level of community grants previously from Council.
"I would like to extend some further support to these groups who are experiencing significant challenges during COVID-19 in maintaining their operations.”
The fees waived on these facilities amount to approximately $2,000 each year.
Mayor Steve Christou recommended that Council agree to waive all future lease charges for Men's Sheds operating out of Cumberland City Council-owned buildings. The Mayoral Minute was endorsed by Council.
