Across the coast and around the country, Men's Sheds are now established as part of the health infrastructure that supports programs to improve men's health and well-being. In West Woombye, that’s been happening since their incorporation in 2012.
Happily operating in an old packing shed on acreage donated to them by local legend, Ray Grace at 279 Blackall Range Road you’ll find the Sunshine Valley Men’s Shed. As many locals are aware, the land was placed under the ownership of Sunshine Council and is leased back to them.
About thirty members are currently registered, but the shed is old and cramped for space. So, over the last two years with government and council funding, the members have managed to erect another two sheds downhill which we are being currently fitted out. Eventually, as funding is approved, Sunshine Valley Men’s Shed members will tie the two sheds together with roofing and a breezeway and eventually install a kitchen and washroom facilities.
Vice-president, James Wilson said they cover their operational costs through member subscription and by selling vegetables at their roadside stall and plants at the Hinterland Market.
“We grow our vegetables on our land and in twenty raised garden beds using biodynamic principles. We make chicken tractors on order and wooden furniture items. We’re growing citrus trees and we have just planted a row of tomatillos and we hope to grow a wide variety of fruit trees in the future. Native bees are on the premises to help with pollination and our native garden will provide them with a constant food source,” he shared. James hopes that when the new sheds are fully operational they’ll be able to provide a wider range of activities and attract greater membership from both Woombye, Palmwoods and surrounding areas.
“Larger membership will allow us to have greater involvement in our community. We already assist Woombye State School in their children's gardening program and, in coordination with P2P Woombye, recently welcomed four younger members with special needs who have become engaged with shed activities,” he said.
Sponsors are important too, and the Woombye Community Bank branch of Bendigo Bank has been a close and staunch supporter of the shed. James said they are currently helping finance a much-needed pathway between the old and new sheds.
“The land is steep and so it is important that we have a safe walkway for the members to move between the buildings. The walkway will be constructed with a combination of railway sleepers and concrete. A handrail will be included and the work will be undertaken with their own in-house resources and the assistance of a concrete contractor. We greatly appreciate the efforts of Mark, Hayley and the Bendigo Bank team for all our Community Bank branch continues to do to support us,” James said.
It’s felt that Australia’s 1,000 Men’s Sheds and more than 150,000 members have helped prevent an estimated 1,500 suicides a year.
“Men don’t want to talk about problems as much,” James added.
“Generally, we don’t make a friend of a GP until we’re in our 30’s and while Men’s Shed members are mostly retirees, younger men had started to come along. There’s always a great atmosphere amongst the group,” he concluded.
The shed is open Wednesdays, and anyone is welcome to stop by for a chat. You can also get further information by calling 0498 463 430.
