By Kyra Gillespie
Men from all walks of life are encouraged to join Bunurong Men’s Shed Pakenham.
Meeting every week at Meadowvale Retirement Village, the shed participates in a wide range of projects that benefit the wider community.
In the past these have included works for local kindergartens, schools, childcare centres and retirement villages.
Men’s health has been a focal point of the group since its establishment at the retirement village in 2012.
“It’s a place where all men can meet over a cuppa, have a chat and companionship, swap ideas and make things for themselves or others,” shed President Geoffrey Fluck said.
“First and foremost we are a support group for men and men’s health.
“We take care of each other and have a fantastic group of men from all walks of life.”
The group is particularly good for retired men, who can experience feelings of loneliness and isolation after a lifetime of being in the workforce.
“It’s hard for retired men to be home all day; they can get bored and restless. So we invite them to come along, even if it’s just for a cup of coffee.
“And to their wives, who may be getting fed up with them at home, we encourage them to pack his lunch, wave him goodbye for one or two days a week and direct him to the shed.
“It’s a really great group to be a part of.”
Members meet every Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00am onwards.
With more members, the shed hope to also meet on Fridays.
The cost of a membership is $40 to cover the cost of insurance and $3 a week to contribute towards coffee and biscuits.
