SHEDDERS went to Parliament House this month to officially launch Men's Shed Week, seven days devoted to highlighting the work sheds do in their communities.
Across the country there are more than 1000 sheds, and their members and volunteers are often working hard on grassroots projects, events and programs.
This includes members of the Arncliffe Men's Shed in NSW, who handcraft wooden toys for children in hospital, and members from WA's Leschenault shed, who made a special hoop for wheelchair players of the WA iSports basketball team.
"Men's sheds aren't just about building toys and fixing furniture; men's sheds are building communities and fixing lives," said Australian Men's Shed Association executive officer David Helmers.
"The benefits of men's sheds extend well beyond the shed - activities at the shed support local people, groups and organisations and bring people together in ways that strengthen communities."
But sheds don't just help towns and cities they're based in. Sheds also give their members a chance to meet new friends, find a sense of purpose and a place to belong.
At the shed, men have the opportunity to find friendship, a sense of purpose and a place to belong and contribute. Many men live fuller and happier lives through their involvement with their shed-but it doesn't stop there.
"When it comes down to it, Men's Sheds have become a vital investment because every community benefits when there's a Men's Shed in town," said Mr Helmers.
- National Men's Shed Week runs from September 25 - October 1. More details HERE.
