Reflecting on the vital contribution of Men’s Sheds

FOR many Australian men the local Men’s Shed offers somewhere to go, and that’s especially true for Wonthaggi. 

Since the first community shed for men opened its doors in 1993, the Men’s Shed community has grown to encompass more than 2500 Sheds in 12 countries. 

Today 1297 men’s, women’s and community sheds benefit from membership of the Australian Men’s Shed Association. 

The Wonthaggi Men’s Shed started as a program of Mitchell House in 2010 and incorporated as a separate entity in February 2016. 

President Robert said they currently have 35 members, and their membership has consistently grown each year from 12 keen men. 

Known by many as a place where older blokes can go to tinker and have a cuppa, to the wider Australian public there is still some mystery around what goes on at the local shed. And truth be told, the detailed picture varies from shed to shed, depending on the members within its walls. 

Despite any standing mystery, what is well known is the value Men’s Sheds add to local communities: connecting men, improving health and wellbeing outcomes, and positively contributing to almost 1,300 vibrant and thriving communities around Australia. 

“We work with various community groups to do projects for them – including bird boxes, bollards for the Amazon Shipwreck and Fix it Café,” said Robert. 

To coincide with this 30-year milestone, the Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) launched a year-long celebration of 30 Years of Sheds. 

Recognised as one answer to national health issues emanating from social isolation, local Sheds have evolved into community hubs and contribute to fostering community spirit. 

30 Years of Sheds highlights significant ‘shedding’ milestones whilst acknowledging that the true success and impact of the Men’s Shed movement is owed to a community of people (mostly volunteers) that built and continue to drive the movement forward. 

To mark the anniversary of the first shed, AMSA has released the first episode of season five of The Shed Wireless podcast featuring shed stories from the early days to today. 

Launched to connect Shedders at the height of the covid pandemic, The Shed Wireless offers a dose of entertainment and education to anyone with an interest in ‘shedding’. 

Find your local shed at www.mensshed.org