General News
7 September, 2023
Men’s Shed mark 30 years of support
Marking 30 years since Australia’s first Men’s Shed opened, residents gathered at the local shed on Tuesday to celebrate the connections the organisation has helped them foster. Running from September 3 to 9, this year’s Men’s Shed Week saw...
Marking 30 years since Australia’s first Men’s Shed opened, residents gathered at the local shed on Tuesday to celebrate the connections the organisation has helped them foster.
Running from September 3 to 9, this year’s Men’s Shed Week saw members from the Maryborough chapter coming together to not only mark a significant, three decade long milestone, but to also raise awareness about the group’s offerings.
The Maryborough Men’s Shed, established 20 years after the country’s first one in South Australia in 2013, has grown over the years — with 30 members currently on board.
“I am proud of how far we’ve come,” Maryborough Men’s Shed president Mike Haines said.
“It’s for people who retire and need something to do, not necessarily like their work but somewhere to meet and talk to other chaps.
“As far as the community goes, there’s a lot of jobs that need to be done particularly for older people that may be too small for a tradesman — the members of the shed help with those things.”
According to Mr Haines, it’s very important for a group like the Men’s Shed to exist in the area, contributing to both the physical and mental well-being of its members.
“When people’s working life ceases, they still need that companionship,” he said.
“We have a number of single men whose wives have passed on and they come to the shed for companionship and they also get a home cooked meal on a Tuesday and Thursday.
“Over the years, I’ve seen a number of men come and go and they all enjoy it. Some come here to learn certain skills while others just come to talk.”
Contrary to its name, the Men’s Shed is open to women as well — in fact, their membership is encouraged.
“A few of us were excited about the gathering because we always meet new people at these events and possibly some will become members,” Mr Haines said.
“It gives us a chance to let people know that we’re community based in our thoughts. We’re not just a men’s shed, we’re actually open to female members.
“We’ve had three women as members for quite some time and it shows how we fit into the community.”
One of these women is Shelley Richards, who is also the treasurer of the group.
“In this day and age, women do a lot of things that men do — the women in this group are welders and woodturners, so it’s not necessarily a man’s domain anymore,” Ms Richards said.
“I’m also absolutely thrilled about the shed’s 30th anniversary. We’re helping people, especially the younger men because we’re nurturing their body and minds but it is definitely for the whole community.
“Everyone has been so welcoming to me. I started in the kitchen, helping with the meals but now my next project is wood turning. I’ll eventually learn how to weld too.”
Calling on other women in the town to join, Ms Richards said the Maryborough Men’s Shed was redefining traditional gender roles.
“All of us understand that guys want somewhere to go but there’s nowhere else for women to go either if they don’t want to knit, sew or embroider — not every woman wants to do that,” she said.
“I think it’s a great place for more women to be part of. It’s a place where they can [be more independent] and learn things like changing tires.
“There’s a lot of skills I’ve picked up and other women can too.”
The Maryborough Men’s Shed, located on 42A Newton Street, is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm.
To find out more or to join the group, contact the shed by emailing them on mensshedmaryborough@gmail.com