The Mooloolah community turned out in force today to mark the official opening of the Mooloolah Valley Men’s Shed with around 100 guests and community members attending the long- awaited milestone ceremony. Community group delegates, local State and Federal members, and committee representatives from Mooloolah Valley Community Association and Mooloolah Valley Men’s Shed were amongst the upbeat community gathering.
Sunshine Coast Federal MP Andrew Wallace, and State MP for Glass House Andrew Powell joined members of the Mooloolah Valley Community Association for the official opening ceremony that had audience members clapping and cheering in appreciation.
Mooloolah Valley Community Association committee member Anita Verwayen welcomed the crowd and gave a brief summary of the various trials and tribulations leading up to opening of the facility, followed by an address by the current Men’s Shed president Col Roy. Both Federal MP Andrew Wallace, and State MP for Glass House Andrew Powell acknowledged the incredible community support for the project and deep satisfaction that the initiative had now finally come to fruition, and ensured the establishment of a community precinct for Mooloolah.
The Federal Member for Fisher was instrumental in securing a $250,000 grant from the previous Coalition government for the new facility, which has been constructed on land behind the existing Mooloolah Valley Community Centre.
“There has been a groundswell of local support for a men’s shed to be built in Mooloolah Valley and today we can celebrate it’s opening,” Mr Wallace said.
“Championed by Bernie and Anita Verwayen and backed by the Mooloolah Valley Community Association committee and more than 300 local residents, I was proud to help bring this project to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.”
Mooloolah Community Men’s Shed President Colin Roy said the men’s shed would provide many benefits to the Hinterland community; including physical and mental health benefits, alleviation of loneliness, sharing and learning of new skills, new friendship networks, and social gatherings for all joining the group. He said after years of deliberation and delays it was both exciting and a huge relief to have it opened.
“This men’s shed will be a fantastic local asset and deliver great outcomes for the community, including a much-needed community space for men to gather in a welcoming and supportive environment,” said Mr Roy.
The building is now in the process of obtaining final approvals, with the expectation that it will be open to the public over the coming weeks. For more information about the Mooloolah Community Centre and the Men’s Shed visit www.mooloolahcommunitycentre.org
