The old Riddells Creek Fire Station could become home to local groups like the Men’s Shed and Lions Club if the Victorian Government backs a new plan for its revival.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council has recognised the site as a potential haven for ‘homeless’ community-strengthening clubs as the town’s population is soon to double.
“When we get an opportunity to have an asset stay in the hands of the local community, and groups who are crying for some attention, I think we have a responsibility as a council to explore all those options,” Cr Daniel Young said last week.
MRSC was offered first right of refusal on the 67 Main Road site as the state government prepares for the Riddells Creek Fire Brigade’s relocation.
The CFA has purchased land at 180 Main Road where it proposes to build a new fire station by the end of next year.
Cr Young sought a time extension to decide on the old site as the council undertakes community consultation and advocates for thorough state government consideration of community preferences.
“There are some organisations that do have an interest in the site,” he said.
“Our local organisations really are incredibly important to places like the Macedon Ranges, particularly in the small towns. What keeps these groups and organisations together, quite often, is just simply a place to be and to call home.”
Cr Young wanted to keep options open and hoped “a resolution could be reached to keep the site for use by the locals”.
GROWING PAINS
Some would argue the state government owes Riddells Creek whatever support it can offer, following its unpopular approval of a 1360-lot development in the Amess Road Precinct Structure Plan.
The town will need to accommodate an additional 3800 people as a result, yet some basic community needs are still missing. There is also land to the south of the railway line earmarked for more growth.
Cr Young’s motion gained full support, however, some were sceptical it would come without cost.
“It is my firm belief that our local MP and state government should be working with community groups, and on the face of it, this does appear to be a really good location,” Mayor Dom Bonanno said.
“Unfortunately, I also believe the state government would rather the cash at this point in time but I’d be more than happy to be proven wrong.”
A report to council said the Victorian Government has provided a confidential estimate of the value of the old CFA site. It described the sum as “significant” and advised council it would need to reprioritise its budget to proceed.
IN NEED OF A HOME
The Riddells Creek Men’s Shed is holding hope that negotiations can be made. The club has been seeking a shed since its auspice agreement with the Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House ended in 2021.
“This opportunity is the first positive thing that has happened for the Men’s Shed in at least three years,” president Jeff Shepherd told the Express.
“We have a lot of letters of support from doctors who would like to direct people from the community to our group because of its supportive environment.
“The problem is that we can’t offer these men much at the moment without a proper shed.”
Member Peter Patterson has helped keep the aspiration for a shed alive by providing a space for weekly coffee catch-ups when the group is not meeting at local cafes.
However, the men need somewhere to set up their tools to work on large projects, and share skills, stories and support while they work. It’s what the movement is best known for.
Riddells Creek Mens Shed members had signalled interest in a site at Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve, however, a master plan for the reserve has only just got under way. It could be several years before a shed could be built at the site.
The old fire station is a new glimmer of hope and it comes as interest in the Riddells Creek Men’s Shed grows.
