Men seek place to shed isolation, share mateship

Jane Emerick
Men in Torquay are building the foundations for their own shed to share ideas, create projects and, above all, foster mateship in the community.
Digby Williamson, who is behind Torquay’s Men’s Shed project, says the town needs a place where blokes can gather.
“We’re trying to achieve a place where guys are comfortable to come and relax,” Mr Williamson said.
“The Men’s Shed is a malefriendly place where all men are welcome whether they’re retired, retrenched, unemployed or just seeking company or mateship. It’s for the young and the notsoyoung.”
Mr Williamson described the Men’s Shed concept as a place where “practical things happen”, like woodwork and car restorations.
“It can be a place for sharing information and ideas where blokes are passing on not just practical skills but life experience to young men,” he said.
“But it can also be a place just to come and sit for a while, have a chat over a cuppa, play a game of cards or play music.”
Spring Creek Community House coordinator Laura Connor had also observed a growing demand for men’s programs on the coast.
Mr Williamson said anyone interested in being a part of the group, supplying a shed or sponsoring the project should phone him on 5261 6657 or Spring Creek Community House on 5261 2583.
A shed organising group meets 9am Wednesdays in the community house, at 14 Price Street, Torquay.