Mayor Margaret Thomas officially opened the shed, joined by Federal Member for Bullwinkel Trish Cook MP, State Member for Forrestfield Hon. Stephen Price MLA, Lotterywest Director Grants Activation and Partnerships Shannon Foster, Councillor Kathy Ritchie, Councillor Lisa Cooper, and members of the Foothills Men’s Shed.

The event marked the culmination of a collaborative project that highlights the power of community partnerships.

Mayor Thomas reflected on the project’s lasting legacy “This shed is more than just four walls and a workbench. It is a space where friendships are built, skills are passed on, and people come together to support each other in both spoken and unspoken ways.”

“The project reflects the incredible contribution this group has already made to our community. This new space provides room to grow, share, and support even more people in the years ahead. We are proud to have worked alongside the members and our funding partners to bring this vision to life.”

The Foothills Men’s Shed has been a vital community organisation in the eastern suburbs since 2011. Previously based on Anderson Road, the group has provided social connection and hands-on support for a wide range of local needs, including refurbishing school seating, maintaining community assets, and assisting people experiencing isolation or hardship.

Having outgrown their former site, the group needed a facility that could meet increasing demand. The new shed at Hartfield Park meets that need, offering improved accessibility, modern amenities, and flexible working and meeting spaces.

The Foothills Men’s Shed is one of the deliverables under the Hartfield Park Master Plan Stage 2 and has been made possible thanks to the generous support of $5.4 million from the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program, Lotterywest who are a major supporter, the City of Kalamunda and the Foothills Men’s Shed. 

For more information about the project, visit the City’s project portal at engage.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/hartfield-park-stage2 or contact the City on 9257 9999 or via enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au.