The Iwasaki Foundation Chair, Desley Rial this week received the honor of turning the first sod for the Rockhampton Men’s Shed Complex on CQ University’s Rockhampton North campus.
CQUniversity this week celebrated a sod-turning ceremony to start the construction of the Rockhampton Men’s Shed Complex on its Rockhampton North campus.
The bold $450 000 plan, comprising of three sheds, was announced back in September 2017 to cater to the growing community needs well into the future.
The community initially sought business’ support, either monetary or in-kind, and thanks to the significant contributions from The Iwasaki Foundation and other organisations, including Hopkins’ Brothers and The Caves Quarry, the construction process could begin.
Iwasaki Foundation Chair, Desley Rial, who was given the honour of turning the first sod, said it provided approximately $130 000 in funding the help the community group get started, and another $50 000 previously for wood and metalworking equipment.
“The Rockhampton Men’s Shed Inc. is a gathering place for retirees who want to continue to put their decades of skills to use by building much-needed items for the local community – and forge new bonds of friendship,” Mrs Rial said.
“The Shed is also a place to just relax have a cuppa and get that feeling of usefulness and being part of something that gives what you want to achieve.
“Its purpose aligns with the foundation’s vision, and for this reason, we will continue to provide support wherever we can. The group has officially recognised the foundation’s contributions by naming the first of three sheds The Iwasaki Foundation Shed.”
The Rockhampton Men’s Shed Inc. has been located at CQUniversity since 2014 and has secured a further 25-year lease for the new parcel of land – opposite the C&K Ngundanoo Imbabee Community Childcare Centre.
CQUniversity is proud to support a community group such as the Rockhampton Men’s Shed and be a part of the value it’s adding to the whole community.
For more information on Rockhampton Men’s Shed visit www.rockhamptonmensshed.org.au/. Or, to donate to the project, visit https://rockhamptonmensshed.org.au/rms/index.php/donations/