Emma Pritchard

A unique collaboration between the Glenreagh Men’s Shed and the Glenreagh Mountain Railway (GMR) is on track and steaming towards plenty of future success.

Recognising the potential to benefit their local community, the organisations recently reached a mutual agreement to utilise one of GMR’s vacant buildings and transform it into a productive workspace.

And as President of the Glenreagh Men’s Shed David Wilks proudly cut the ribbon and officially opened the facility as their new headquarters at a special ceremony on October 30, he gratefully acknowledged GMR President Stewart Mackie and his board members for their support in helping the local organisation become established as part of their ongoing commitment to community engagement.

“It’s quite spectacular what they (GMR) have done for the Glenreagh Men’s Shed in giving us a really big head start and allowing us to use one of their buildings,” he said appreciatively.

“There are some men’s sheds that have started even without a block of land, and here we’ve gotten a really good kick off and plenty of support from the local people which we’re very thankful for.

“The men’s shed is about men’s health, mental health, and all that stuff, and it’s an important part of the community.”

The Glenreagh Men’s Shed was established three months ago and currently has more than 20 members who Mr Mackie said are welcome to stay as long as they want in their new building.  

Over the last two years, Mr Mackie revealed GMR have reshaped their board and vision, with a strong focus on community engagement.

He said having the Glenreagh Men’s Shed utilising one of their vacant facilities on site is the first step in the right direction.

“On behalf of GMR, I’d like to thank them for showing an interest in this asset we have here, and it’s great to see the building is now being used to benefit the local community,” he said.

Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis also attended the ceremony and praised the Glenreagh Men’s Shed and GMR for their proactiveness, adding it was terrific to see the organisations combine with the purpose of building and sustaining their local community.

“Men’s sheds provide an enormous amount of support, not just for their members, but for the broader community,” he said.

“I think the men’s shed and GMR working together will really sustain Glenreagh well into the future.”

The Glenreagh Men’s Shed is open between 9am-5pm, Monday to Saturday.