Mortdale Men’s Shed is coming home.
After four years of sharing premises with the Riverwood Men’s Shed, the members of Mortdale Men’s Shed have been given a new home in the suburb they are named after.
Georges River Council administrator John Rayner has announced that they will be moving into a property recently purchased by the council at 25 Cook Street, Mortdale.
The former Hurstville Council moved sought the compulsory acquisition of 23 and 25 Cook Street, Mortdale to be redeveloped as a community car park.
Following protests of the elderly owners of 23 Cook Street, Georges River Council did not proceed with the compulsory acquisition of that property but has a legal agreement with the owners to acquire it in the future.
But it has brought 25 Cook Street, Mortdale which will become the Men’s shed for a few years until it is required for other purposes.
Following a decision by the NSW State Government to redevelop the Riverwood estate, the Shed has been forced to look for other accommodation.
The Mortdale Men’s Shed has approached the council several times in the past year in search of possible accommodation at a council-owned property but until the council purchased 25 Cook Street, none were suitable.
“The council has identified that 25 Cook Street would satisfy the needs of the soon to be displaced Mortdale Men’s Shed,” Mr Rayner said.
Mortdale Men’s Shed spokesman Greg Moar said the decision gives the Shed members certainty about their future.
“We were uncertain about the future because he had many opportunities for a new home denied to us by the former Hurstville Council,” he said.
“Up until June 3Bridges Community paid our bills but were unable to continue to do so.
“Now we are self-sufficient. We have spoken to the Department of Fair Trading and are becoming incorporated.”
The council has agreed to lease the Cook Street premises to the Men’s Shed for five years - an initial three years with a further two year option.
The property has potential to yield approximately $35,000 per annum if rented for residential purposes.
The council’s draft Community Leasing Policy allows for this amount to be reduced in recognition of significant contributions made by Georges River community groups such as the Men’s Shed.
The Shed will be required to pay the minimum rent for a community group of $479 per annum.
Mr Rayner highlighted the valuable contribution the Mortdale Men’s Shed made to the Georges River community.
Mr Moar said the Shed provides social interaction for older men from varying backgrounds.
“We have members from engineering, electrical, publishing and healthcare backgrounds,” he said.
“This allows us to have good talks before we get down to work.
“This will be a wonderful move for everyone and we will be able to get more members.
“We have 10 members are hope to double this at least. Until now we couldn’t have any more because the premises at Riverwood were too small.
“We get about two calls a week from people wanting to join but we have had to turn them away.
“Now we will able to tell people we are open for members and won’t be knocking anyone back.”
