Men's Shed

Terry O'Mara will be speaking about Rotary and Mens Sheds. Terry will explain how his club identified a need for something for men to be involved with once they’ve retired or been widowed as there is a lot available for women, single or otherwise, but nothing to address men’s health and wellbeing. They pointed out that there were many grown up men who were at a loss for something to do and Council agreed. After a well attended meeting Rotary held for interested men, the Hill’s Men’s Shed was started after much discussion and Council eventually
gave them a dilapidated old Scout hall and $35,000. This hall was renovated by skilled Rotarians and the new Men’s Shed members. There are now 50 members and even some women who expressed interest in joining. The Shed’s workshop has a more than a full complement of tools and machinery now The Dept of Veteran Affairs was encouraged to grant funds because several members are veterans and the Dept
complied well.
A year ago Shed members asked Council for funding to double the size of the shed and $160 K was given. Terry advised any Rotary Club that decided to initiate a Men’s Shed to ensure that its members had full responsibility and look after their own affairs; Rotary is not involved in anything. His RC made all members of the Men’s Shed Friends of Rotary for an annual fee of $10 so that they were covered by Rotary insurance. This saved the men a lot of money. Rotary’s only interest is that the activities of the Men’s Shed are legal and safe. The members have accreditation within their own Shed and have established rules of management for themselves.

There are now 930 Men’s Sheds in Australia whose members have skills that are diminishing in the world today. Terry said that anyone who wanted to start a Men’s Shed should get information from Council but should not let Council run the project as it is vital for the members to be empowered and independent. The Federal Government has invested $6 million for men’s health - physical, social and mental. We need to give value to their lives.Terry assured us that Rotary gave information and expertise but has not expended any monies. A manual of how to set up a Men’s Shed is available on the Internet.