The Southern Illawarra Men’s Shed is a space where adult men of all ages and walks of life can come to enjoy the company of others, learn a new skill or share their knowledge.
The idea for Men’s Sheds began in Australia in the 1990s and has spread around the world. The Australian Men’s Shed Association describes sheds as friendly places, “where men come together to undertake woodworking, metalworking and other projects of their choice and also, to contribute to projects requested by the local community”.
Ultimately the goal is to improve health and wellbeing. Men’s Sheds aim to be safe spaces where men can discuss sensitive subjects, talk about problems they might find difficult to deal with on their own, or simply enjoy the company of others.
Judging by the popularity of the phenomenon – there are now more than 1200 Men’s, Women’s and Community Sheds around Australia – the approach has well and truly hit the mark.
Many men find that once they retire or are no longer working they are looking for something to do, and the Men’s Shed provides them with something meaningful. However, Southern Illawarra Men’s Shed members Gary Feeney and Chris Cruden say that some of their members are purely social and come to the shed for a chat and a cuppa. The Men’s Shed is about mateship, they explain, there’s no pressure.
The Southern Illawarra Shed at Oak Flats does have areas dedicated to woodworking and metalworking, and anyone interested can contribute to the many projects undertaken for local non-profit organisations, businesses and the general public.
Southern Illawarra members have been involved in great projects, including the construction of a Buddy Seat with wheels that was built for a local primary school.
Chris says the idea is if a child feels lonely or upset and in need of a friend, they can sit on the Buddy Seat. The school has trained children in years 5 and 6 to step up and help the students who sit on the Buddy Seat.
Shed members have also made sandboxes for The Links Shell Cove, as well as toys (a sizeable wooden bulldozer takes pride of place, waiting for its next home), clocks, gavels, trinket boxes, garden ornaments, bird boxes, trains and much more.
Gary says young men and men of all ages and abilities are welcome.
A supervisor is always on hand to oversee the production process and, with so many members with different skills, expert knowledge is on tap whenever it’s needed.
The Southern Illawarra Men’s Shed is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8am-3pm, 121B Industrial Rd, Oak Flats. 0493 058 874, southernillawarramensshed@gmail.com