by Chris Hameister

The Men's Shed was an initiative of the Mossman Community Centre and together with the Lend Lease Springboard Programme of 2011 the Men's Shed/Mentoring Project developed.

The group’s brief was to provide a place for local men to come together to talk, build new relationships and learn new skills from each other and to create a mentoring forum where local young people can learn from an older person and vice versa.

The Men’s Shed was officially opened on 1 September 2011. Former Cook MP Jason O’Brien attended as well as a number of people from the community together with Springboard participants.

Over the past six months the group has been working on a number of community projects, assistance for the disadvantaged and working on ways to improve the facility.

Small community projects can be quickly completed at the Men's Shed at Mossman Community Centre. Rick and Ryan from Mossman State High School repaired a broken rope ladder with mentoring from Bob Gooch at the Men's Shed.

Nikky and Megan from Lifestyle and Respite Support Services erected the ladder at Ngamu Kankal Playgroup located at Mossman Primary School Prep Room 1 run by Janice Walker.

Thanks to all the community groups and members for their cooperation.

Membership to the Men's Shed has doubled since its inception, but we are looking for more members with trade, mechanical and computer skills to undertake the mentoring of youth and develop strong fellowship amongst all members.

If you are interested in attending or finding out more about the group, please contact the Men's Shed, Mossman Community Centre on 4098 2005.

If you would like to participate in the 2012 Springboard Programme, there will be a Men’s Shed/Mentoring Project which will aim to improve the existing structure and facilities and encourage more men to attend.

For more information or to register please go to www.mossmanprojects.com

Chris Hameister is a co-ordinator at the Mossman Community Centre.

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