HISTORY
1 - Greenbank RSL Sub-Branch Mens' Shed:
2 - Why was the concept of the Mens' Shed, as it exists today, created?
a
The 'average' male's 'lair' has always been the backyard shed or workshop. And the concept
of a handiwork-based 'shed' arose at the first National Health Conference dedicated to men
in 1995, when the problem of the apparent inability of men to openly discuss their mental
health and well-being was raised.
Thus was born the ‘Community Shed,’ where men could share several varieties of tools,
pursue their interests, pastimes, and hobbies, learn new skills or hone those they already had,
and simply spend time with other ‘blokes.’
The first shed was opened in Lane Cove, New South Wales in December 1998, partly to combat
such illnesses as depression caused by men being left alone in late age, often needing
to downsize their accommodation, and consequently losing their beloved sheds.
Since then, the idea has spread internationally. Australia can boast to having more Men's Sheds
than there are MacDonald's outlets throughout the nation.
Managed by an elected committee, the shed’s primary concern has always been promoting and fostering an environment where males can feel free to discuss their problems
without the fear they’ll be ridiculed or looked down upon.
The other major concern is safety: on joining the shed, each ‘inductee’ will be taken through a short lecture on the safe use of equipment and Greenbank Shed's rules on using each tool following training in the correct use of a piece of equipment before it is put to work. After all, a length of hardwood isn't the only thing a high-speed saw blade can slice through.
Safety cannot be emphasized enough.
But there is a camaraderie and relaxed atmosphere in the shed; a friendliness and willingness to assist when needed; and
an eagerness to tackle any task thrown their way by outside organisations or individuals,
who often turn up with jobs you probably never expected to see, such as a thousand small, white wooden
crosses - part of seven thousand to be situated near the French village of Pozieres later this year,
where that number of Australian troops laid down their lives in battle a century ago.
In company with the thousands of past and present men and women of our Armed Services, and the members and committee of Greenbank RSL Sub-Branch, let us pray that even though you may not have known one by name, the memory of those
Australians who fell in war is never forgotten.
And this is why we emphasize
safety so heavily...
let your flesh not feature in similar pictures!
Interested in joining the shed? Then why not come down and have a look or contact the shed on 3806-6086 or mensshed@greenbankrsl.com.au.
