Three days a week you can hear the sounds of saws, planers and drills as members of the Childers Men’s Shed enjoy their regular get-together to create and to chat.
With a membership of around 28, they may not have quantity, but members of the group laughingly believe there’s quality.
The group meets at their North Street shed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9am until noon.
Andy Gorton, who confirms he is a relative of former Australian Prime Minister John Gorton, enjoys the gatherings and the opportunity to do a little or do a lot.
“There’s no pressure here. It really is a great social group. We share stories and we share skills.”
“We have a membership of around 25 to 28 men. Our shed is a work in progress although it does have most of the essentials including a kitchen, office, disability toilet, excellent workshop and a garden outside.
“I think most people are aware of the importance of the men’s shed organisation and the role it does play in men’s health,” said Andy.
Shed has a role in men’s health
“We have had members here suffering depression and anxiety and there is no doubt that time spent among other men can help smooth out the rough patches in their lives.”
Peter Englart likes working with his hands and is currently engaged in creating a self-designed timber box featuring a variety of timbers, mostly recycled materials.
He is self-effacing about the quality of his work. “It’s a bit rough but it should look okay when I finish it,” he said.
The shed has a fairly impressive array of equipment from large planers to bench saws and drills.
Outside, the shed property has a well-kept garden with an area set aside for a few beds of vegetables.
“We keep one of the local hotel kitchens well-supplied with parsley,” laughed Cameron Brown.
The shed makes a small amount of money through the sale of donated batteries. “Anyone with a used battery can leave it with us and we ensure we see it’s disposed of correctly and that we make a few dollars as well,” Cameron said.
Andy is thrilled with the Shed’s latest acquisition which is computer equipment and a printer courtesy of a Federal Government Grant of $3500.
“Local Federal Member Keith Pitt organised the grant for us and having this equipment allows our secretary to store all our information as well as respond to email enquiries,” Andy said.
“Our group would certainly welcome more members. I can only reiterate that there is no pressure in this group regarding how often anyone may wish to attend. That’s entirely up to the individual.”
Childers Men’s Shed is located at 3a North Street between the Childers SES Shed and community tennis courts.
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