Community
7 December, 2023
Daintree community shed planned
Talking sport with a beer in hand is a popular Australian pastime but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. That’s why a group of Douglas Shire residents are planning a booze-free alternative in Diwan - the Daintree Coast Community Shed.
Project spokesperson John Knights said the shed would provide an alternative meeting place for locals.
“It’s okay to go to the sports club and enjoy alcoholic refreshments there but we are looking to provide something a bit different for both men and women to enjoy” he said.
“The shed, as a community hub will provide opportunities to connect in a real way and enhance the quality of life for members. The sharing of skills will demonstrate in a practical way how we can be of service to one another.”
Supporters of the Daintree Coast Community Shed have been raising money for the project over the past three years and are planning to have it built and open for business in 2024 at the Tea Tree Road Diwan location.
Trade skills, furniture restoration, crafts, sewing, book exchange and 3D printing will be just some of the activities on offer once the shed is open.
“While people enjoy the peace and seclusion of the Daintree region, there is always a need for interaction,” Mr Knights said.
“We’ve a population from the river up to Cape Tribulation of about 700 people and we’ve noticed there’s about 150 to 200 people who engage in different activities in the community.
“The rest are pretty much invisible and it’s easy to do that in the Daintree.
“We don’t really know these folk and so our aim is to extend an opportunity for them to meet and mix with members regularly in comfortable surroundings – a valuable process to keeping a healthy mental state.”
A freehold lease was approved for the community shed in a recent Douglas Shire Council meeting. The project is set to cost $30,000 and will be paid for with current funds.
The building itself has already been purchased so just needs to be erected on a slab and then finished off. Fundraising activities will continue as usual so that there will be sufficient cash available.
The project is accredited with the Australian Men’s Shed movement.
Anyone interested in contributing towards the fundraising efforts should contact John Knights on 0407 220 169.
