Perth Voice Interactive

AFTER three years of toing and froing, a men’s shed in Bayswater is still nowhere in sight.

Cr Terry Kenyon has had enough, and has tabled a motion demanding that a men’s shed be erected in the city within two years.

In 2012, Osboine Contemporary Aged Care, a residential home for the elderly, spearheaded the campaign to create a a social hub where men could meet, build spice racks, drink tea and talk about footy.

The council investigated having a shed at several sites, including Maylands Autumn Centre, the pre-primary schools of Morley, West Morley and Embleton.

But sites were either deemed to be too close to housing, or impractical for semi-heavy machinery.

City manager Beverley Bridgland reported the Noranda Sporting Association was approached about having a shed on its vacant land on Wilde Street, but it would not formally commit to the idea.

NSA president Ewen Apps says his club simply needed more information.

“Discussions were at a very early stage, we hadn’t said yes or no,” he says.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Bassendean town council green-lit a Men’s Shed in December, which could impact on the viability of a Bayswater facility.

“The main funding providers, Lotterywest, have indicated that the likelihood of funding for two locations for Bayswater and Bassendean may not be possible, as funding has been reduced for community men’s sheds across WA,” Ms Bridgland wrote.

However, Lotterywest spokesperson Pina Compagnone told the Voice men’s shed funding had not been reduced.

The item will come before council this month.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK