Men's Sheds

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Men's Sheds (Proof

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Speakers - Torbay Mr Richard
Business - Private Members Statements, PRIV


MEN'S SHEDS
Page: 15

Mr RICHARD TORBAY (Northern Tablelands—Speaker) [11.18 a.m.]: One of the most positive aspects of the men's shed movement in Australia is that it is not run by well-intentioned agencies but by the men themselves. It began as a way of tackling some of the well-known disorders of our time: depression, social isolation, disengagement and poor health management in older men. It is achieving well beyond those original aspirations. Four men's sheds have been established in my Northern Tablelands electorate, at Armidale, Inverell, Glen Innes and Warialda. Although each group is autonomous, they have features in common. The operation of the sheds involves learning or practising skills such as woodwork, welding, concrete work and computing. They all contribute to the community and have a strong social component.

Shed members have told me that regular smokos, long lunches and time for a yarn are essential elements. The Armidale Men's Shed runs a self-sustaining business, a training organisation and a social club, and it also allows women to be involved in a session one afternoon a week. It began when a local timber and joinery business, Col Harris Timbers, was up for sale three years ago. Former academic and regional economist Roy Powell and a group of local men decided to take over the business and its large industrial premises to start the shed. They continue to operate the timber and joinery business to fund their operations, which include training men in these crafts. Some funding has recently been received to provide training for a group of men with moderate disability.

Most of the 75 members are men who have retired or are semi-retired. They come with a wide range of skills and backgrounds, and from their ranks six instructors now teach newcomers how to operate the equipment at the workshop. The men work on their own projects and also undertake repairs and community work such as mending and making toys for preschools and the local toy library, and repairing furniture for charity groups and people in need. The shed is building its social and men's health program around the weekly lunch for members and visitors. There are regular sessions provided by health workers on issues such as diet and better health practices and the men are offered access to the Pit Stop program.

The Inverell group started its Men's Shed in an old wool store in the town's industrial estate in 2008. Three mental health workers, Carol Mitchell, Patsy Armstrong and Rhonda Davis, and TAFE teacher Deb McMahon were behind the move because of their concern with the level of depression in many older men in the community. It took off very quickly and the shed, which operates on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, has been an outstanding success with 44 members involved. The men can learn and pursue woodwork, metalwork and concrete work with member supervisors showing them the ropes. Some men also visit the shed each session to play cards, read the papers and have a chat over a cup of tea. Members support community organisations by making toys, undertaking repairs and carrying out other work as requested.

In Glen Innes the local Lions Club started the Men's Shed by calling a meeting. The response was enthusiastic and 77 members have joined up since it began. The Glen Innes Severn Council provides a space, which the shed group uses on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They also undertake woodwork, learn about computers, help local charities with repair work on donated items and have even assisted with building sets for a local arts council production. The demand is so high they are now looking to establish a larger purpose-built workshop at the Glen Innes Showground.

Warialda's Community Men's Shed was also set up three years ago. It shares premises with automotive study students from the local high school, with eight members meeting regularly on Tuesdays. The shed activities are auspiced by the Gwydir Shire Council and the men have produced park benches, mobile planter boxes for the aged care unit at the local hospital, bat roosting boxes for the local Catchment Management Authority, and barbecue tables for the school and in the central business district. They have made benches for the workshop for the high school students and are making tourist signs around the shire. Their work is in such demand from the private sector that they have become virtually self-supporting.

This brief sketch of the Men's Shed activities in my electorate does not cover the full extent of the activities and the involvement of service clubs, councils, health workers and community members. But one aspect is absolutely clear—the sheds are achieving well beyond their original purpose of engaging men who are still active, resourceful and skilful and who can and do make a great contribution to their communities.