Men at work

Shellharbour Mens Shed members show off their woodworking skills.

A mere two months after being officially opened by Shellharbour City Mayor Cr David Hamilton, the Shellharbour Mens Shed is fully operational and in a position to start taking on small community projects and assist older members of the community, according to Shellharbour Councils Ian Richardson.

Mr Richardson says that in the short time the Mens Shed has been open, it has already become an extremely popular place for retired men to socialise, learn new skills and enjoy themselves.

Even with all the fabulous tools we have had donated to the Mens Shed, probably the most important piece of equipment we have here is the coffee urn, said Mr Richardson.

This is where the guys relax, swap stories and tips, give each other advice, interact and form new bonds.

Since opening, Mr Richardson says they have been inundated with donations of equipment, tools and materials.

The response from the community has been amazing, he said.

Bunnings were very generous with their donations of power tools and Leisure Coast Kitchens have been just amazingly supportive, giving us so much timber.

Weve also received tonnes of timber and hand tools from other businesses and people in the community, which has really helped us get things off the ground.

All we need now is some 4x2 and 3x2 timber, some work benches and few more chisels, mallets and handsaws and then everyone who comes down to the Shed can get involved in the projects.

Joe Zhara, who was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the Mens Shed says it is a place where social relationships and activities take place.

Members can make or repair furniture, toys and craft items as well as work on their own special projects, he said.

They can learn from or teach others woodworking skills, and participate in activities such as painting, assembling, staining, varnishing and oiling.

But underlying all these activities is the sense of self esteem, productivity and mateship that emerges from sharing time with other men.

Some of the items that are repaired or made are donated to community sponsored projects and we are definitely ready to take on more work for the community.

The Shellharbour Mens Shed is located in the Old Council Chambers at 32a Addison Street and is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.

For more information, or if you have some 4x2 or 3x2 timber youd like to get rid of, call 4221 6170.