The Northam Men’s Shed are currently doing renovations to their meeting space on Duke Street.
The group are extending the building to house the popular metal working section, allowing more work to be done by the members and to provide more space for potential members to join the club.
Other extensions include two new toilets – one disabled toilet and a shower.
Northam Men's Shed treasurer Colin Easther said they are doing as much work they can themselves.
“We can do the carpentry and we are paying plumbers and electricians to finish off the other work,” he said.
“Tradesman have also completed some concrete work.”
President Rob Fraser said there is congestion at the moment so it will help out with space.
“We have a gentleman that fixes lawnmowers and garden equipment so this will help him out,” he said.
Men from all walks of life and ages can attend. It is a great place to do job for yourself, meet other guys and socialise
- Colin Easther
Mr Easther said the club was successful in raising approximately $1,400 from recent wood raffles.
Local farmers donated the club dead wood to raffle off outside Coles, he said.
They were also successful in receiving a Brookfield Rail, Bendigo Bank and Northam Shire donations all contributing to the new workshop and welding equipment for the group.
Mr Easther said the club, that was formed seven years ago, is a great way for men to meet and stay busy in old age.
“We do woodwork projects for the public and are currently doing some jobs for Killara respite centre,” he said.
“We also do small jobs or trades that people or businesses wouldn’t be interested in, like fixing up a gopher or two.”
Mr Fraser added the club is great for wellbeing.
“If we didn't have this what would we be doing?” he said.
The shed has men from surrounding districts who attend the weekly catch-ups.
“Men from all walks of life and ages are involved,” said Mr Easther. “It is a great place to do job for yourself, meet other guys and socialise.”
They use the old fire station building on Duke Street, which was heritage listed five years ago by the Lotteries Commission. The group meets twice a week on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9-11am.