Woodwork and friendship at the Men’s Shed
At the Logan City Community Men’s Shed, there are always tools to tinker with and someone to talk to.
The Men’s Shed is one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit community development organisations for men.
“We just want everyone to be happy – we love the idea of people talking shoulder to shoulder here and being able to learn new things.”
— Tony Whitlock
The Crestmead branch is open 6 days a week for attendees to have a chat or work on leather and wood projects.
One of their annual fundraising events is the Christmas sale, where the group constructs dog beds, wooden Christmas trees, Zen gardens and more.
Like many other members, treasurer Tony Whitlock joined the Men’s Shed after a mental breakdown.
‘We just want everyone to be happy – we love the idea of people talking shoulder to shoulder here and being able to learn new things,’ Tony says.
‘Bear and I have both struggled with depression, so we know that it’s not good enough to just ask if someone is okay.
‘We had a bloke here that wanted to end his life – we all had a good talk with him, helped him with organizing hospital visits and he’s in a much better place now.’
President Bear Hinds says sometimes blokes come in and are more open with each other than they are with their wives.
‘We’re not doctors but we’re here for people that can’t get an appointment – they can just rock up and speak to someone,’ he says.
‘It’s not just for older folks, we also get blokes in here who want to talk about work or a marriage on the rocks.’
The branch was recently granted funding, allowing 14 members to complete a mental health and first aid course.
‘Everything I do, I do for the shed – without the Men’s Shed organisation, there would be far less men on this Earth,’ Bear says.
Find your closest Men’s Shed or check out what’s happening at the Crestmead Community Men’s Shed.
By June Ho
