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From beginnings in September 2017

When Pam and Eric Taylor moved into Warrigal Shell Cove village they were welcomed by Catherine Wotherspoon (Warrigal Community Facilitator) and asked, “What would you like to see in Shell Cove Village?”

Eric replied, “A Men’s Shed!”

This was passed onto Leanne Taylor (Warrigal Executive Leader Strategic Innovation and Development) who contacted Eric advising that a room was available if suitable. Unfortunately, it was found to be too small.

July 2018

A group of men from Warrigal Shell Cove and Albion Park Villages visited Warrigal’s Maintenance Depot at 121 Industrial Road Oak Flats where Peter Hutchinson (Warrigal Executive Manager Property Services) offered part of the Depot as a Men’s Shed.

However, this offer was suspended until privacy issues relating to some records held at Depot could be addressed which was resolved when a secure container was made available on site for their storage.

The interest group began the process of formally establishing the Men’s Shed. The name “Warrigal Men’s Shed” was suggested to Warrigal’s management, but it was turned down. The name, “Southern Illawarra Men’s Shed” was suggested by Pam Taylor and accepted by the SIMS committee as their first meeting.

October 2018

The Men’s Shed Steering Committee was formed.

President: Graham McWhirter, Secretary: Eric Taylor, Treasurer: Neil Carles (since resigned), Public Officer: John Cornford (since passed away), Committee Members: Ernie McLean, Carl Efferson, Members: Peter Keyes, Tony Ashton, Gerry Delangen, Bob Smith, Cairns Campbell.

November 2018

The Committee started preparing the Men’s Shed Constitution based on that of Albion Park Men’s Shed Constitution and a model Constitution provided by the Australian Men’s Shed Association.

August 2019

The Southern Illawarra Men’s Shed held their Inaugural Annual General Meeting.

October 2019

Following an agreement of what the Men’s Shed would comprise, ie. Kitchen Training Room, Workshop, Bathroom, Warrigal sought quotes for the construction and renovation which amounted to approximately $100,000 all of which was graciously funded by Warrigal.

Zoning issues were resolved with the assistance of Shellharbour Council staff.

November 2019

Men’s Shed volunteers moved Warrigal’s old out of date files to the secure shipping container at the rear of the site.

July 2020

Shellharbour Council granted the Men’s Shed a Construction Certificate hoping for the Shed to operational by December.

To opening on 1 February 2022

First official date of operation of the Southern Illawarra Men’s Shed.

Thanks to Eric Taylor who provided the timeline.