The Daylesford Men’s Shed is hosting an Open Day on Thursday October 12 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. “Shedders” will be in attendance to welcome the local community. Men and women who attend will be able to tour the facility, talk to members and enjoy a BBQ lunch.
Daylesford Men’s Shed, has evolved, since its inception in 2011, to a first class facility, providing the men of Daylesford and surrounds with their own meeting space. A modern shed of around 305 square metres situated at Victoria Park just behind the Pavilion, houses a communal meeting space with its own kitchen and separate workshop areas catering for woodwork, metal fabrication, and other craftwork.
The Men’s Shed seeks to encourage
- Fellowship and wellbeing
- Awareness of men’s health (physical and mental)
- Skill development and mentoring
- Community engagement and support
Shedders subscribe to the philosophy “From each according to his ability. To each according to his need.”
For example, Charles Prebeg, who worked in catering, makes his contribution by cooking a lunch for members every Thursday. “The Shed helps so many blokes to build friendships and share their emotional stuff,” said Charles. “Many have said to me they don’t know how they would have coped if they didn’t have the Men’s Shed to turn to.”
Larry Lawrence, a retired carpenter and joiner, maintains the woodworking equipment and offers advice and support to less experienced users. Brian Murphy, a retired Air Force engineer has developed the Shed’s collection of computer controlled carvers, burners and 3D printers and offers instructional workshops for members who want to learn more about the design and control of the machines.
Shed members work on their own projects but have also contributed to many community projects.
- They produced a number of large sized chess and draught sets for Central Highlands Rural Health. The pieces were cut using CNC (computer numerical controlled) cutters and routers recently purchase by the Shed with grants from the Daylesford District Community Bank and Hepburn Shire Council.
- They created the wonderful Wombat Christmas Trees that enlivened Vincent Street last December. The trees and wombats were decorated by local school children and community groups.
- Shed members refurbished Thomas’ Lookout at Cornish Hill in a partnership with Daylesford Rotary. The Lookout was built by Daylesford Rotary Club in 1997/98 as a community service project but many of the timbers in the old lookout were rotting so Daylesford Rotary asked the Men’s Shed to refurbish it.
If you want to know more, visit the Daylesford Men’s Shed during their Open Day.
Date: Thursday, October 12
Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Venue: Daylesford Men’s Shed, adjacent to the Vitoria Park Pavilion
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