Shedspace vision comes to life
KEEPING young people engaged in a positive and creative environment is the goal of Australia’s first Shedspace, right here in Townsville, in a venue made possible by the support of the community, corporate and local businesses.
Shedspace is a community resource that will provide a safe and inclusive environment with diversionary activities to keep young people engaged in worthwhile skillbuilding activities and help to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
Corporate funding and community donations have provided funding for renovations and the fit- out of the Shedspace building.
The Shedspace project was the initiative of Townsville headspace centre manager Kirsten Seymour and headspace Community Network ( hCN) chairperson Penny Guazzo.
Shedspace quickly became a priority with the local hCN and, with its support, the project has become a reality.
The headspace Community Network works alongside headspace Townsville as a connection to the community and to raise much- needed additional funding and support for headspace ongoing operational needs.
Mrs Guazzo said, “The community quickly saw the value of this project and were keen to help bring Shedspace to reality.
“Businesses big and small, as well as tradesmen and people from all walks of life, were eager to lend their assistance.”
Matt O’Neill, chief operating officer for major sponsor Glencore’s North Queensland Copper Assets, said the company provided funding to support the new Shedspace in Townsville after feedback from its Glencore Community Pulse survey identified that access to mental health treatment and support services, particularly for young people, was a priority for the Townsville community.
“We know youth mental health issues are a growing concern in the community and access to support is a key factor in improving outcomes for those struggling,” Mr O’Neill said.
“By supporting Shedspace, we are helping make a real difference by ensuring the young people of Townsville have a safe, supervised place to find that support, while they engage in practical activities, learn new skills, connect with the community, experience mentoring and participate in creative arts.
“Our contribution sits well with our belief that we should support the communities where our operations are based, sharing our successes.”
Shedspace came about with the support of Townsville City Council after the council agreed to lease an unused sports clubhouse at Riverway.
Mrs Guazzo said, “Thanks must go to the council for the generous lease terms provided to enable this project to go ahead.”
David Derbyshire said that RPA Architects were proud to have contributed in providing the architectural design and construction drawings for the facility.
The headspace project was project managed by John Doolan, whose wife is a member of the headspace Community Network. As Mr Doolan said, “I was roped into this by my wife Louise. So I didn’t volunteer as such, but being part of the Shedspace project has been a very positive and rewarding experience.”
He said he was struck by a number of things.
“Firstly, everyone has a headspace story. Working on the project, talk would invariably turn to headspace and what it did. Everyone, it seems, could relate a story or had been touched by mental illness, of young people not doing so well and in need for services like headspace,” he said.
“The generosity of the Townsville community was astounding, with so many small business owners, tradies and suppliers that came forward to offer assistance.”
The building works were completed under the supervision of local builder Jarrod Hurst of Hurst Constructions.
Jarrod and his father Murray, a past NQ Cowboys coach, gave their time freely to work on the project.
Being a builder, Mr Hurst was naturally drawn to the practical nature of the Shedspace initiative. “I saw Shedspace as an excellent hand up for young people who might be going through a rough patch,” he said.
Mrs Guazzo said that the project was also supported by community groups such as the Rotary Club of Townsville Central.
Rotary’s Rob Dorgelo said his club was proud to be associated with Shedspace as it provided a focus for many young people in the community.
“The Shedspace project matches our charity bike ride vision, which raises funds to support initiatives to improve outcomes for those young people in our community suffering in their own personal headspace,” Mr Dorgelo said.
Mrs Guazzo added, “Shedspace has struck a chord with so many people young and old across the community, from young tradesman carpenter Andrew Beric, who volunteered time on the project because he saw that he could make a difference to the community, and retiree Mrs Dinie Gaemers, who believes that Shedspace will be a fantastic place for troubled young people to go and learn new skills which could lead to job opportunities and change their lives.”