Tucked away at the far end of North Epping a great community project is coming to life – the North Epping Men’s Shed.

How it all started

Over six years ago an enterprising group of locals set their sights on revitalising the area adjacent to the Bowling Club. This would be the first Men’s Shed in the Epping area!

From modest beginnings, a major project has emerged, and the shed is nearing completion. Part of the national Men’s Shed organisation, it will offer a gathering place for the whole district – with plans for a wide range of crafts and activities to be led by the interests of members. But Men’s Sheds (and they are not confined to men – the name is a bit of a misnomer!) are really as much about bringing people together, offering company and social interaction, support and community spirit.

Essential grant funding

The North Epping shed has been a long project to bring to fruition. Initial work focused on securing the site (with support of Hornsby Shire Council and Crown Lands). The essential seed funding to kick start the plans came from Community Bank Epping under our grants program. This enabled the completion of a Development Application – a key stage in kicking the project into life.

The Covid years threw a bit of a spanner in the works, but the committee was not deterred. Their perseverance led them to secure vital funding from government grants for the main construction phase, and a large structure started to emerge.

In 2023, they came back to the bank seeking further funding. The project needed a number of additional core works (including acoustic fit out and a mezzanine floor) in order for it to be completed. This second grant means that the bank is now the second largest financier of this major project. We have given further support in 2024 for electrical and lighting work – all the little details to get the Shed open.

Where they are up to

And it is very near completion. Over the last year, work has picked up speed on the numerous bits of fit out to be finished. Recent work has included retaining walls and bitumen surrounding the building. The machine room has been completed, kitchen and facilities built, solar installed with a Tesla battery and upgraded security. In the main section, benches and equipment have been erected to allow work on numerous projects.

Every week, members gather at the Shed to contribute to these finishing areas. Tuesday is the most active day but you may well see the door open on other mornings.

The Men’s Shed is a membership organisation open to all locals (including those in the general Epping area). Go to https://nems.org.au/ for more information and to join. It is a great time to get involved.