At the launch of "The Shed"

STORY - "Windale moves to shed difficulties"
If “all Australian boys need a shed”, as John Williamson proclaims in song, then the “shedless” men of Windale community are well served after the long awaited April opening of “The Shed”.

In calling on Project Co-ordinator Kerry Thompson to assist in cutting the ceremonial ribbon, Federal Member for Paterson Bob Baldwin said, “This project will be an outstanding success because of the people involved in it.”

A feature of “The Shed” project, which has overcome significant obstacles along the way, has been the generous involvement of a multitude of agencies and individuals. While the initiative came from the Two Bishops Trust, chaired by Bryan Dunn, a sense of shared ownership has developed. Kerry Thompson said, “It's a project that doesn't belong to any one individual, organisation or agency. There are so many people involved and if any one had not offered support, the project wouldn't have come to fruition.”

“The Shed” exists to promote community participation and encourage skill development and mentoring of young people with high needs. Young people can receive mentoring and training from skilled retired or unemployed local residents in areas such as motor mechanics, steel and metal fabrication, boat building and furniture making. The project aims to inspire and encourage young people to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. Personal development, health and well being will also be addressed. Mr Baldwin made the point that such an initiative can make a real contribution to mental health because it promotes activity, fellowship and self esteem.

Mr Thompson described the experience of an early ‘shed participant': “He and his mentor are building workbenches and a security cage in which to store tools and equipment for the shed. He is gaining experience and skills in welding, engineering, fabrication and painting.”

According to Mr Roger Greenan, Secretary of the Windale Community Group and the Shed Committee, “We're hoping the Shed will provide a very positive link to the unemployed in Windale and surrounding areas.  Windale has a very high unemployment rate. We want the Shed to give people the incentive and opportunities to become skilled through the mentoring system; to better their outlook and to seek employment.”

Mr Greenan says that low self-esteem and poverty are very real problems in Windale. “We might not be able to do much about the poverty, but we hope the Shed gives people the opportunity to change their direction through sharing their skills, learning new skills or through social interaction.”

Margaret and John McNaughton have been enthusiastic supporters of the project. Margaret feels strongly that “The Shed has the potential to empower people to take charge of their own lives. Self esteem and dignity are so important. This project could be repeated anywhere in Australia.” She feels that in time, similar opportunities will emerge for women.

Project stakeholders include the Commonwealth Department of Transport and Regional Services; Commonwealth Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs; Centacare Newcastle; Two Bishops Trust; Windale Community Group; Lake Macquarie Police Citizens Youth Club; NSW Premier's Department; Hunter Community Renewal Scheme and Lake Macquarie City Council.

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