GAWLER Council has rubber stamped plans for a new community group hub at Willaston, which would see the Gawler Veteran, Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club (GVVCVC) move in next to the Willo’s Men’s Shed.

At a special meeting last Tuesday night, elected members voted to endorse a recommendation from its Corporate and Community Services (CCS) Committee to support the GVVCVC building a club rooms on a parcel of land on Little Paxton Street.

It is expected such a move would create a “community activity hub” and encourage similar groups in Gawler to share the space.

The car club has been searching for several years to establish a permanent clubrooms, with the CCS committee’s recommendation last month the most significant step for the club in finding a home.

During last week’s meeting, councillor Brian Sambell sought to change the committee’s recommendation slightly, which originally stated council would support a “possible establishment of a second men’s support program”.

Cr Sambell, who is a member of the club, highlighted a significant percentage of the car club’s membership are women and said the proposed community hub should be inviting for all.

“The 325 women who are members, along with their children aren’t very happy with the way that’s worded,” he said.

“It’s certainly not the same as the Willo’s Men’s Shed.”

As per council’s resolution, the GVVCVC will have to pay an estimated $7500 to perform drilling tests on the parcel of land once a lease agreement is reached with the council.