Construction has officially begun on a new men’s shed at Raymond Terrace.
The 665 square metre building will be located on the southern end of Boomerang Park, alongside the existing Senior Citizens Centre.
The new shed is set to provide more working space for the 135 members, with room also set aside for community use.
The plans were unanimously approved by Port Stephens Council in May.
“The rapid growth in membership of the Raymond Terrace Men’s Shed to 135 people is testament to how much this facility is needed,” said Mayor Bruce McKenzie.
“The Men’s Shed movement provides a wonderful service particularly to retired men, offering them an outlet to be productive and to continue to make a contribution to the community through a range of activities.”
However, the plans have come under fire by community campaigners, who say it’s not an appropriate location for the facility.
The Boomerang Park Action Group posted a statement on social media today saying, “Boomerang Park is a facility for everyone to use and in doing this we’re segregating the usage of it for people now and in future.”
