General News
12 July, 2023
Men’s Shed to trial expansion
THE Mortlake Men’s Shed will trial opening an additional day each week as its tight-knit members look to help build connections in the community.
THE Mortlake Men’s Shed will trial opening an additional day each week as its tight-knit members look to help build connections in the community.
Mortlake Men’s Shed president Steve Maloney, who was recently elected, said opening an additional day each week made sense with a range of projects in the works.
The men’s shed will now be open on Wednesday and Friday from 1pm to 4pm.
“I build a lot of stuff for the community like garden bridges and picnic benches for the school, so opening up on a Wednesday gives the blokes and extra opportunity to come down and do something,” Mr Maloney said.
“It’s easy for me to open up two days a week, and instead of trying to rush things through I can take my time make sure it’s down properly.
“We’ve got around 17 members on the books, but nobody is required to come every day or even stay if they do come down.
“Even if someone wants to come down for a bit of coffee, cake and a biscuit and a chat, they’re quite welcome to do so.”
Members have the opportunity to get hands on with a wide range of all-trades projects, however the most important thing built at the Men’s Shed is community connectedness.
The Australian Men’s Shed Association hopes branches across the country can offer support networks to men who are less likely to be open about their feelings and emotions, putting men at a greater risk of suffering from isolation, loneliness and depression.
Mr Maloney said the Mortlake group prides itself on welcome everyone with open arms, and creating a judgement-free environment where people can be heard and supported.
“We’ve had one member with a learning disability who came from another town where he was treated like a leper,” he said.
“He came here and asked if he could join, told us all about his life and what he’s been through and what he goes through, and we welcomed him with open arms and treated him like any other person.
“We’ve got a good group which is mainly older blokes but at the end of the day what gets talked about in the shed stays in the shed.
“We don’t judge, we’re nobody to judge; if you’re in a wheelchair and want to join, we’ll make provisions to make sure you can get in and out safely.”
The Mortlake Men’s Shed is open to all new members; no experience required.
“There’s no special requirements, as long as you’re over the age of 18; it costs just $35 to join, and $30 each year after that which covers everything,” Mr Maloney said.
“Just come along on an open day, have a cup of coffee and a chat, and see if you might be interested in joining.”