About Us
Whyalla Men's Shed
The Whyalla Men's Shed (WMS or the Shed) is a grass roots community based organisation currently comprising about 50 volunteers (including some Work for the Dole particpants) who meet regularly to socialise, make things, fix things and restore things. The WMS started out in late 2012 following a public meeting which resulted in the formation of a working group in February 2013. The Shed became an Incorporated Entity under the SA Department of Business and Consumer Affairs in April 2013.
In the early days particpants (10-12) met twice a week in a tin shed at the back of ‘Life Without Barriers’ on Knight St, Whyalla Stuart. In January 2014 the Shed moved to it's permanent premises (the old St Martin’s Church) on Williams St in the centre of Whyalla. Since that time, members have been busy renovating and refurbishing what was a vandalised, neglected, run down old building.
The shed now has about 40 paid up members (often called ‘shedders’) with about 25 attending on a regular basis. The average age is 70 years; the youngest is 34 years old and the oldest nearly 90 years.
The shed is now an enviable, multipurpose space, testament to the ownership and commitment of its dedicated volunteers. Apart from work that required licensed tradesmen (electrical and plumbing), all the work has been done by the shed members.
The shed offers a smoke, drug- and alcohol-free, multipurpose space with a range of facilities -
The shed offers a smoke, drug- and alcohol-free, multipurpose space with a range of facilities -
- a common room for meetings and socialisation;
- well equiped workshops to enable small construction, repair or restoration projects in wood or metal;
- a games room equipped with pool table, television, and games;
- a small library containing fiction, non-fiction as well as hobby and craft books and magazines;
- a networked computer suite with Internet access used for computer refurbishing and computer tuition;
- a small office area and display foyer where shed-made products are available for sale;
- a kitchen for preparing light meals and refreshments, and;
- an outdoor recreation and garden area.
The Executive
Members
The Benefits of the Men's Shed
Men’s sheds including the Whyalla Men’s Shed demonstrate the social and well-being advantages of learning in a community of like-minded individuals where learning involves practical, productive activities with demonstrable personal and community benefits. Opportunities extend beyond the traditional craft and trade skills and include ways to improve health and fitness, to eat healthily, to plan and prepare meals, to cook, and to foster camaraderie and friendships as well as mentor and support each other together with those suffering social and economic disadvantage or adversity from physical or mental illness.
Particular benefits offered by the Whyalla Men’s Shed include:
Particular benefits offered by the Whyalla Men’s Shed include:
- a male friendly environment offering mix of amenities catering to a range interests;
- reduced social isolation together with a setting that promotes male bonding, camaraderie, purposeful activity and fun;
- a setting which promotes self esteem, a sense of belonging and purpose, and improved social and emotional wellbeing;
- well equiped wood and metal workshops that host a range of machinery as well as hand and power tools to enable members to undertake small construction, repair and restoration projects;
- a suite of networked computers coupled with informal, friendly, computer tuition and technology advice;
- opportunities –
- for improved physical and mental activity;
- to improve health literacy;
- to mix with men of diverse backgrounds & skills;
- to talk with/share experiences/problems;
- for skills development and sharing, and informal, hands-on learning;
- to assist in planning and decision making;
- to assist in fundraising and health promotion;
- to ‘give back’ to the community;
- to participate in student projects and research;
- to mentor students and engage with intergenerational learning
.JPG)