General News
4 August, 2026
Initiative to bring young people together
A new space to share stories, skills and forge friendships, founders of the Clunes Young Mens Shed hope to build connections beyond backyard projects.
Jacob de Kort wanted to add another social occasion to Clunes when he felt there was very little for those with his age and interests.
“There is nothing else to do. You have got the pub and the footy oval, that’s about it. Lawn bowls if you’re over 50. I have not met a single person in my age range that wins at bowls,” he said.
“There is the odd event, but they are either once or twice a year ... there is nothing for people to do in a country town.”
He is now one of nearly 10 founding members in what is believed to be Australia’s first Young Mens Shed.
With the help of funding from Creswick and District Community Bank, State Government, and the founding group’s own fundraising, Mr de Kort recently got the shed off the ground and has found himself inundated with endless donations from community members.
Located at the same site as Clunes’ current Mens Shed, several sections have been allocated where members can work on projects of choice, meaning no activities are set in stone.
But Mr de Kort said locals have already been keen to share their niche interests.
“We are looking to set up a blacksmith shop, elsewhere we will also set up a carpentry area ... we are also very much looking into lost trades too... and some metal works,” he said.
“We have a few people coming who are into stain glass making. They are all the age that fit into what counts as a Young Mens Shed group.
“We will even end up doing events here as well, we might build and sell mini golf equipment that can be used on the lawn.”
Young Mens Sheds welcome those aged between 18 to 35, and operate on routines that fit the younger demographic.
“Most people who show up to Mens Sheds are retirees who want to socialise, but most young people have jobs and study, so we are planning to open more after hours,” Mr de Kort said.
“People can work on major projects if they want, but its not going to be the biggest pressure to do so.”
One of the group’s biggest aims is to lead change in mental health support and social isolation in men among this exact age group.
“We have been talking with Central Highlands Rural Health to set up mental health support, giving people better access to help. Mental illness in our age range has drastically gone up in the last decade,” Mr de Kort said.
“So to do something about that in the community will hopefully help.”
Clunes Neighbourhood House’s community development worker, Lynda, said the mentoring and multigenerational connections will be fundamental.
“There is so much world experience and knowledge that can be passed down ... with the overlap and the crossover with the older members, they can share their skills and insights as well, and it’s a space to learn,” she said.
“For young people and young adults, they missed out on so much socialising during COVID ... just making up for the deficit over time will be huge.
“Whatever the member’s interests are, it will take off from there. It will be very much interest based.”
Those who are interested in joining Clunes Young Mens Shed are advised to contact Lynda at reception@clunesnh.org
Despite the Mens Shed branding, they are open to those interested of any gender.
“Anyone can come down within the age range ... everyone down here is more than willing to teach anyone,” Mr de Kort said.