What is a Men’s Shed?
The modern Men’s Shed is an updated version of the shed in the backyard that has long been a part of Australian culture. Men’s Sheds are found in many cities and towns around Australia and continue to spring up internationally.
What makes a Men’s Shed special?
Most men have learned from our culture that they don’t talk about feelings and emotions many do not take an interest in their own health and well-being. Men are often reluctant to talk about their emotions and that means that they usually don’t ask for help. Probably because of this, many men are less healthy than women, drink more, take more risks and suffer more from isolation, loneliness and depression.
Good health is based on many factors including feeling good about yourself, being productive, contributing to your community, connecting with friends and maintaining an active body and mind. Becoming a member of the Men’s Shed provides a safe and busy environment where men can find many of these things in an atmosphere of old-fashioned mateship. And, importantly, there is no pressure.
Men can just come and have a yarn and a cuppa if that is all they’re looking for. Members come from all walks of life – the bond that unites them is that they are men with time on their hands and would like something meaningful to do with that time.
What specifically does Maleny & District Mens Shed do?
We currently have extensive woodworking equipment (lathes, power saws, thicknessers etc), metal working equipment (lathe, mill, welders etc), and a blacksmith shop (forge, anvils etc). Importantly, we have experts on all this equipment so you don’t need to be an expert, indeed learning new skills is all part of the fun, so you can be an complete novice, all you need is a willingness to learn.
We are currently constructing an additional shed which will allow us to expand our activities, particularly “clean” pursuits (perhaps leatherwork, computers, leadlighting, painting etc). This is anticipated to completed towards the end of 2023.
We have occasional guest speakers on matters such as men’s heath, technology, available community resources etc.
We have developed a safe and happy environment where men are welcome to work on community projects, specific Men’s Shed projects or a project of their choice in their own time and where the only ‘must’ is to observe safe working practices….all in a spirit of mateship. .
But you don’t have to actively participate in any of these activities, you’re welcome to stand around an shoot the breeze with friends, solve the problems of the world and enjoy some guilt free indolence.
Community Jobs
We contribute to the community by providing skills and taking on projects to support other local not-for-profit organisations, albeit sometimes limited by our insurance restrictions.
We also take on some small projects and repairs for individuals for an appropriate donation, although we are not a business and do not compete with professional companies.
If you are interested in either of these activities drop into the shed during our hours or contact us via the Contact Us section.