A shed load of action

Albany MenShed will be hosting one of two national events for Men’s Shed Week today.

The theme for this year’s celebrations is Shed Life, and the Albany group is holding a Men’s Shed Muster, Community Expo and Shedder’s Lunch to mark the occasion.

The Albany group now has more than 170 members. Eight other Men’s Shed groups will be making the journey to be a part of the day.

Albany MenShed life member Mike Taylor said the local team was excited to be the only shed in WA — and one of two in the country — chosen to host an event.

“The focus is men’s isolation and mental health,” he said.

“We have a lot of retired farmers in Albany who have had a lifetime of work and are used to being able to do lots and suddenly they move into a unit in town with no shed or veranda.

“It is blokes with blokes. It is just a fun day, really.” A display of 10 classic cars, chainsaw demonstrations from Darrel Radcliffe and a rope-tying exhibition are some of the major attractions.

The Albany group will also be used as an example to show how grants can be used effectively.

The Australian Men’s Shed Association asked the Albany group if they wanted to host the muster, with the only other event being held in Victoria.

Association executive officer David Helmers said the men’s shed concept was about men from all walks of life finding friendship, community and purpose. “In the shed, you’ll find the activities reflect the diverse range of interests of members,” Mr Helmers said. “Anything from woodwork and metalwork, to photography and IT, to gardening and most of all — tinkering about.”

Members of the public are welcome to come down from 9am to noon. Find the “Men’s Shed Week Muster” on Facebook for more event information.