The Lescheanult and Districts Men's Shed (Rotary)

"A new phenomenon is afoot! The Men's Shed movement is here, and it's thriving!"

There is nothing new about men gathering togehter in their own space to talk , share skills, swap ideas, solve problems or just discuss life in general - it's been happening since the beginning of time. There's nothing new either about men spending time in their backyard shed - an acknowledged Aussie partner.

What is new is that men, particularly retired men, are combining these two activities in a communal space simply called a "Men's Shed". What is also new is how strongly men have embraced this new identity - eing a member of a Men's Shed. Men's Sheds, such as, are a peculiarly Austraian phenomenon. In the past decade a wide range of community-based Men's Shed has sprung up - each with its own unique identity and purpose.

Activities within Sheds are many and various: woodwork, metal work, restoration of old cars, portable Sheds taken to Alzheimer facilities or Mobile sheds for remote country areas. The membership is diverse too. Men from all backgrounds, ethnic and social mixes can enjoy a Men's Shed, bringing their unique cultural characteristics to enlighten the activities.

The common theme in all Sheds is aout men feeling useful and contributing again to their communities, learning or sharing their life skills, making friends, networking and availing themselves of health information programmes and opportunities. Men's Sheds are under the auspices of a variety of organisations whose ethos they tend to exemplify.

Communities are keen to provide activity, identify and meaning for vast numbers of older, unemployed, job-redundant, 'downsized', isolated, depressed and hapily retired, active, creative, enthusiastic men. Men's Sheds are fast being recognised as vital, viable places to fulfil these needs and provide relaxed, happy creative spaces for men to enjoy.

The Shed project will provide a fully serviced workshop facility on land owned by the Harvey Shire Council at the Leschenault Recreation and Aquatic Centre. It will be adjacent to the Morrisey Day Centre on Leisure Drive.

The shed will be approximately 200 metres squared including a meeting room, kitchen and toilets. The shed is being sponsored by the Bunbury Rotary Club and the Harvey Shire.

A committee will be set up as an Incorporated Body to run on a day to day basis and supported by the Bunbury Rotary Club.

The Men's Shed will be a community facility available to other community groups as a resource to assist them to carry out their community work and objectives. The shed will have a regional focus similar to that of the Leschenault Leisure Centre.

For more information call John Saunders on 0419 972 000 or email john.sas@gmail.com; Paul Cassidy 0439 903 864; Dave Jones 0410 611 725 and Brian Piesse 0408 471 947.