West Coast Times
Men's Sheds
There are now more than 2,500 Men's Sheds in countries around the world. A remarkable Australian institution and export.
The Western Australian Men’s Shed Association (WAMSA) is a not-for-profit organisation that provides a safe and supportive environment in which men can join together, share skills, and build friendships. It is a place for men to gather and work on projects, drink coffee, laugh and joke and discuss the joys of life and other matters of significant importance, learn relevant skills, and talk about whatever is on their minds. In addition to other sheds around the state, the Western Australian Men's Sheds Association has two branches located in the Joondalup/ Wanneroo area. These are the Joondalup Men’s Shed and the Wanneroo Men’s Shed.
The Joondalup Men’s Shed is based in Winton Road, Joondalup in a substantial complex, and has been in operation for more than ten years. The shed provides a safe and supportive environment. There is also a range of activities and workshops, such as woodworking, and metalworking, including welding. These activities include various machines available for members to use and a broad range of skilled tradesmen and professionals among the members. Members can often be found on Saturdays and bank holidays at Bunnings, Joondalup running sausage sizzles as a fundraising activity. The shed also has a significant and active women's group with approximately 30 members. The Shed is open for the men on weekdays (excluding public holidays) from 8 am to approximately 1 pm, with the women meeting together on selected afternoons. The shed publishes its own monthly online newsletter 'The Bench Press', which is available from the News page on the website. Learn more here, also learn more by visiting the Shed website https://www.jms.org.au.
The Wanneroo Men’s Shed is located in Wangara, an industrial suburb of Perth close to Wanneroo. It is a place for men to come together in a friendly environment to work on projects, including computer refurbishment and woodworking etc, with many men apparently joining the shed in order to acquire skills and experience in interacting with computers, while others learn how to create exceptionally well designed and crafted wooden items, which are then sold online. The Wanneroo Men’s Shed is a great place for men to meet and collaborate on a variety of projects, learn and develop skills, and talk with their mates. The shed provides an excellent environment in which men can build meaningful friendships. The skills available within the shed range from men who have spent many years working in the technology industries to training specialists, professionals and much more. Learn more at the Wanneroo Community Men's Shed website at https://wcmenshed.org.
Northern Suburbs Men’s Shed is also located in the Wanneroo area and provides the opportunity for men to meet together in a workshop environment, participate in practical activities, undertake projects, learn new skills and socialise with other like-minded individuals to support men’s psychological, physical, spiritual and intellectual needs. Men from all backgrounds and belief systems regardless of social or economic status are made to feel welcome and accepted as we actively interact with each other in a spirit of mateship. The Shed aims to work with and be involved in contributing to community projects and supporting individual well-being. Visit the Northern Suburbs Men's Sheds website to learn more. https://northshed.org.au
Other Men's Sheds located in the Wanneroo/Joondalup districts include the following
Yanchep Men's Shed
Quinns Rock Men's Shed: https://mensshed.org/sheds/quinns-mens-shed-inc Facebook
Motorcycle Men's Shed: https://www.facebook.com/groups/752862052987985
Men’s Sheds of WA is the state support association for the men’s shed movement in West Australia. Learn more about the association's activities here: https://mensshedswa.org.au
Men's Sheds across Australia and around the world
The Australian Men's Sheds organization has become an important fixture in Australian communities, providing a space for men to socialize, share skills and knowledge, and work on projects together. The organization has also inspired similar groups in other countries, with Men's Sheds now established in many parts of the world.
The concept of the Men's Shed began in Australia in the early 1990s, when a group of men in a small town in Victoria decided to create a space where they could come together and work on community projects. They recognized that many men, particularly those in retirement or who had experienced major life changes, often felt isolated and lacked meaningful social connections. By providing a place where men could socialize and engage in productive work, they hoped to address some of these issues.
The first Men's Shed was established in 1998 in the town of Gawler, South Australia, and the movement quickly grew from there. Today, there are over 1,000 Men's Sheds across Australia, with an estimated 150,000 members. The organization has also expanded overseas, with Men's Sheds now established in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Ireland.
The primary purpose of the Men's Sheds organization is to provide a safe and supportive space for men to come together and work on projects, both individually and collaboratively. The types of projects undertaken can vary widely, depending on the interests and skills of the members, but might include woodworking, metalworking, gardening, or electronics.
In addition to providing a space for men to work on projects, Men's Sheds also offer a range of other activities and resources. These might include social events such as barbecues or outings, guest speakers on topics such as health or finance, and workshops on topics such as first aid or computer skills. Many Men's Sheds also offer mentorship programs, where older members can pass on skills and knowledge to younger members.
One of the unique aspects of the Men's Sheds organization is its focus on supporting men's health and wellbeing. Men's Sheds have been shown to help address issues such as social isolation, depression, and anxiety, which can be particularly prevalent among men in later life. By providing a supportive community, Men's Sheds can help men to feel more connected and engaged in their local communities.
In recent years, the Men's Sheds organization has also become involved in advocacy work, calling for greater recognition of the contribution that men's sheds make to community wellbeing. The organization has highlighted the importance of government support and funding to ensure that Men's Sheds can continue to thrive and provide important benefits to their members and their communities.
Overall, the Australian Men's Sheds organization has had a significant impact on men's health and wellbeing in Australia and around the world. By providing a supportive space for men to come together and work on projects, the organization has helped to address issues such as social isolation and depression, while also promoting community engagement and the sharing of skills and knowledge. With continued growth and support, the Men's Sheds movement is likely to continue to make an important contribution to community wellbeing in the years ahead.