Steering committee member, Andrew Whale said final plans will go on display at an open day on site at AREC tomorrow (Tuesday) between 4pm and 6pm.

“All members of the community and local businesses and organisations are invited to come along and see how they can be involved in this vital community project.

“So far the steering committee has raised $60,000 through the generosity of the Mudgee community but we need more to complete the shed.

“We have approached State and Federal members, Russell Turner and Mark Coulton to identify grant monies to reach the target of $150,000,” he said.

Mr Whale said that once completed it would be the largest purpose-built Men’s Shed in Australia.

“To facilitate the completion of the project, the Steering Committee has decided to establish sub-committees in Shed Finances, Shed Administration and Shed Construction. To date the support of the community has been overwhelming. For example, local tradies are prepared to donate equipment to help with the construction.

“Success of the Shed relies heavily on voluntary assistance and once it is completed will require volunteers to staff it seven days a week.

Mr Whale said the Men’s Shed concept had taken off in Australia.

“The Mudgee Men’s Shed will be a place where men can meet and work together to nurture friendships and learn new skills.

“There are now over two hundred Men’s Sheds around Australia and they are filling a much need void in the area of mental health.

“They go a long way to improving men’s health and well-being by addressing loneliness, isolation and depression, Mr Whale said.