General News
18 July, 2024
Shed's shock closure
The Rainbow Men's Shed stands empty this week following its sudden closure last week amid concerns over potential health and safety issues and "breaches of behaviour".
The Rainbow Men's Shed was opened in 2020 after many years of lobbying by community organisations and people.
Since then, the Shed has worked closely with other local organisations, and provided labour and resources for many projects in the town.
But last week the signs on the door reminding members to check in on arrival were replaced with a notice of closure signed by Rainbow Learning Group and Neighbourhood House (RLGNH) manager Asher Ludwig.
"Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 Victoria, and in consultation with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing the Rainbow Men's Shed is temporarily CLOSED," the notice read.
Rainbow Men's Shed spokesman Gadget, who preferred not to provide his full name, said he was unable to comment on the reasons for the closure.
"We look forward to meeting with the Neighbourhood House and resolving any issues," Gadget said.
"We are pursuing every avenue available to be able to open again as soon as possible."
A spokesperson for Rainbow Learning Group and Neighbourhood House said they understood the community concern regarding the temporary closure of the Rainbow Men’s Shed program.
"RLGNH takes its responsibility to provide a safe and enjoyable program and venue for all seriously, and the program will reopen as soon as possible after the breaches in OHS and behaviour have been successfully addressed," the spokesperson said.
"We thank the community for its support."
The 1990s saw the establishment of community based facilities for men who did not have their own shed due to a shift into retirement homes, flats or unit housings, or a lack of yard space.
There are now more than 320 Men’s Sheds across Victoria, some with as many as 400 members, others with five or six.
Men’s Sheds promote the health and wellbeing of its members by reducing social loneliness, isolation and depression.
They provide a safe environment for men of all ages to learn new skills, pass on their life experiences, and be a part of the community through mateship and involvement in projects and activities.
The Sheds also provide a space for men to work on their own projects, and to talk, whether it is about their hobbies, sports, politics, health, or about events and changes in their lives.
While funding can be granted to establish a Men's Shed, the day-to-day operational costs are paid for by members, sale of items, or through donations.