Who’s Who in 2022, Community Groups: Men’s Sheds

With many people feeling disconnected from their communities due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the region’s Men’s Sheds have provided a focus on men’s health and creating new friendships.

There are 10 Men’s Sheds across the Moreton Bay Region and each has been a welcoming space for those who are looking to talk about their thoughts and emotions, as well as work on some new projects and enhance their skillset.

About Men’s Sheds

The purpose of a Men’s Shed is to provide a safe space where men can feel included and talk about any issues that might be affecting their health and wellbeing.

Unlike women, men often don’t talk face-to-face about their feelings and emotions, so the shed is a friendly place where they can talk with new like-minded mates and also work on some meaningful projects.

The very first Men’s Shed was established in 1993 in Goolwa, South Australia.

Today, there are more than 1200 Men’s Sheds across Australia (which equates to more Men’s Sheds than McDonald’s restaurants), and more than 50,000 members.

It is also a concept that has spread to more than 12 countries, including Ireland, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Kenya and South Africa.

Here in the Moreton Bay Region, there are 10 Men’s Sheds. You will find Men’s Sheds at Beachmere, Bribie Island, Burpengary East, Caboolture, Dayboro, Kurwongbah, Moodlu, Redcliffe, Wamuran and Woodford.

Each shed is different and provides an array of unique activities that cater to the interest of its members.

Each Men’s Shed is full of equipment for activities like manual crafts, woodworking, gardening and more.

You don’t need to be a certain age to join a Men’s Shed – everyone is welcome.

You might however see more older and retired men than younger blokes. This is because Men’s Sheds play a vital role in helping older men regain a sense of purpose in life, enhanced self-esteem, more social interaction within their communities, and mateship.

If someone simply wants to talk, they can head to their local shed and chat over a cuppa, as there will be plenty of listening ears.

For men who are not able to make it down to their local Men’s Shed, are who are still a little hesitant to join, there are a variety of resources available on the Australian Men’s Shed Association website.

The Australian Men’s Shed was established in 2007 by a number of community-based Men’s Sheds as a way to promote the Men’s Shed movement. They help members of different sheds share information with others, and also help people who have expressed interest in starting up a new Men’s Shed.

Online support includes The Shed Wireless Podcast, The Shed Shop, The Shed Online Blog and The Shed Awards.

Visit the Australian Men’s Shed Association website for more information: https://mensshed.org/