CITY of Kalamunda celebrated community and connection with the official opening of the new Foothills Men’s Shed at their new location in Hartfield Park in Forrestfield on June 30.

The purpose-built facility aims to foster connection, skill-sharing, and community wellbeing.

City of Kalamunda Mayor Margaret Thomas opened the shed alongside Bullwinkel MHR Trish Cook, Forrestfield MLA Stephen Price, Lotterywest grants activation and partnerships director Shannon Foster, councillors Kathy Ritchie, Lisa Cooper and members of the Foothills Men’s Shed.

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

Ms Thomas said the shed was 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,” she said.

“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 in the eastern suburbs since 2011 and was 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 new men’s shed is one of the items under the Hartfield Park master plan stage two and was realised through $5.4 million from the government’s priority community infrastructure program, Lotterywest support, the City of Kalamunda and the Foothills Men’s Shed.