Leeton Shire Men's Shed to Become an Incorporated Organisation
Published on 25 August 2022
At last night’s August Ordinary Council meeting, Council resolved to support the Leeton Shire Men’s Shed to become an incorporated entity, independent of Council.
Leeton Shire’s Men Shed (LSMS) is a valued community initiative which provides a safe, welcoming, and encouraging space for men to work on their projects, learn new skills and develop valuable friendships. Council deeply appreciates the work and benefits of the Leeton Shire Men’s Shed and has supported them since they formed in 2008.
The LSMS is currently a Section 355 Committee of Council. This means they are delegated powers to deliver a function of council under the Local Government Act 1993.
Following the advice of the Office of Local Government and Council’s insurer, Council undertook a review of its Section 355 Committees of Council and determined that the LSMS does not undertake a core function of Council as identified in Council’s Delivery Program.
Council’s insurer had also provided advice detailing the potential organizational risks to Council of the LSMS operating as a Section 355 Committee of Council. This includes work health and safety, liability and insurance risks.
Council’s ongoing support for LSMS under the new arrangement resolved last night, will include staff time to assist with incorporation. Council will also set aside up to $5,000 per year for the next two years, to cover the costs of insurance and rates which will now become payable by the LSMS once they are incorporated.
The LSMS will also have exclusive use of the site and buildings via a long-term lease for $1 per annum.
Council’s General Manager Jackie Kruger said Council understands that change can be difficult but is confident that the LSMS can continue to thrive as an incorporated body and member of the Australian Men’s Shed Association.
“With over 400 other NSW Men’s Sheds already operating as incorporated organisations, a bank balance soon to be in excess of $65,000, and an ongoing commitment from Council to be available for support if required, Council is sure that the Shed will continue to thrive and flourish,” she said.
“Being independent of Council will also provide more opportunities for the Shed to derive additional financial support for its projects through grant funds not currently available to Council Committees,” said Mrs Kruger.
Out of the 418 Men's Sheds in NSW, there are only four that remain as Council Section 355 services. Surrounding Men's Sheds in Narrandera, Coleambally and Darlington Point are all already incorporated associations.
Mayor Tony Reneker said with 14 years of experience under the belt, the LSMS is a mature, well-functioning service and several meetings had been held in 2021 and 2022 with the LSMS on Council’s proposal for the LSMS to become an incorporated organisation.
“Council has invested significantly in the establishment of the Men's Shed and, now that they are successfully up and running, is pleased the Shedders will work with Council for mutual benefit by becoming incorporated and continuing to provide the excellent service they deliver for the men of Leeton Shire.
“Council looks forward to working with the LSMS in supporting their successful transition under the new arrangement,” concluded Mayor Reneker.