By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
MEN’S sheds have become a new community force around Geelong, with 12 now operating and more in the pipeline.
The male gathering places have created positive impacts in the community, from highlighting men’s health, giving men a post-retirement identity and even fundraising.
East Geelong Men’s Shed committee member Wayne Clarke said the sheds provided an ideal way for men to feel part of the community again.
“A lot of blokes were wrapped up in their work, that was their life, so it’s nice for them to be able to feel they can do something in the community apart from that,” Mr Clarke said.
The East Geelong shed recently held a fundraising barbecue and decided to donate the $500 proceeds to Geelong hospital’s children’s ward.
“We do lots of projects for schools and kinders,” Mr Clarke said.
“We make toys for disadvantaged kids and have disability groups come to the shed.
“Some guys sit and yack or play a few games, others like to get into the workshop and make a few things.”
Barwon coordinator Bruce Ward said most sheds had a strong community role to play.
“Clifton Springs make toys and donate them to the children’s hospital, Queenscliff and Ocean Grove do up old bikes and donate them, we’ve made the signs for the Bellarine rail trail, make collection boxes for the RSL, do repairs for children’s centres, help out the Salvos – there’s a lot we do,” Mr Ward said.
“We’re careful not to take away from businesses but where we can help out a bit we do.
“It’s still only a small proportion of what men’s sheds do and we still have to cover our costs because we don’t get any government funding support.”
Mr Ward said new sheds were on the way to Hamlyn Heights, Pelican Shores estate Leopold and Lara.
