The Australian Men's Shed Association this week is celebrating the Crookwell Men's Shed and hundreds of others in towns and cities across the country.
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Members skilled in metalwork, woodwork, or construction might build, repair, or restore furniture - often more cheaply than professionals. Men's Shed members have also constructed outdoor furniture, such as seating in the parks for council, or memorial seats; the noticeboard in the Community Gardens; and hospital donation boxes.
"The community have really supported our activities, and we're recognised almost as an opportunity for minor work to be undertaken to help members of the community," secretary Don Southwell said.
But the Shed also fulfils a valuable social function. It is somewhere local blokes can make friends, discuss their problems, and support each other through hard times.
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The Crookwell Men's Shed was set up more than a decade ago to care for the welfare of elderly men in the community, Mr Southwell explained. "There was never previously an opportunity for an elderly men's group."
"Men's Sheds are not just fixing furniture and building toys, they are helping men and building communities," the Association states. Or, as researcher Professor Barry Golding observed: "Men don't talk face to face; they talk shoulder to shoulder."
"Some members are getting on a bit in years," Mr Southwell said, "but find they are able to socialise - to get together and talk, and be involved in something, particularly widowed men. It's an opportunity to talk about the football results or other activities over a cup of coffee.
"At the same time, we endeavour to look after our members. So if there's any sickness or illness, we support and help them when we can."
The Men's Shed has 40 members - including a dozen women associate members. "They are keen to learn how to do woodworking," Mr Southwell said, "so we instruct the ladies." Some women also practise welding and metalwork.
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The Men's Shed was formed at a community meeting more than 10 years ago. At first, members rented a property, but in 2015 they funded and erect their own building in Park Street, with support from council, community groups including Rotary and the Lions, tradespeople, and state and federal politicians.
"[The Shed] is very community oriented," Mr Southwell said. "As a consequence, a lot of our materials and equipment has been donated to us through the community."
Today, other groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or the Community Garden meet at the Shed too.
Membership costs $30 a year, which covers the insurance and public liability for the Shed and the members.
"We welcome elderly men in the community," Mr Southwell said. "For those who are new to the area, it's an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends."
The Men's Shed is in Park Street, and open on Mondays and Wednesdays, 9am to 3pm; Ladies Associate Members Day Tuesday, 9am to noon. For more information, phone 4832 0652.
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