Media release – Australian Men’s Shed Association, 30 August 2021

A place to go, a community to belong to and mates that make it all worthwhile 

With hundreds of Men’s Sheds in lockdown and the COVID-19 crisis still reshaping the way we get together, Men’s Shed Week (30 August – 5 September) looks and feels a bit different again this year.

But in the true spirit of Men’s Sheds, that won’t stop thousands of Shedders from commemorating the fundamentals of Men’s Sheds: connection, community and camaraderie.

“The pandemic has certainly got in the way of Shedders getting together in person as much as they’d like to over the last eighteen months,” said AMSA Chairman Paul Sladdin.

“But like us, Men’s Sheds around the country have found ways to stay in touch and to support their mates by other means and that’s what we’re celebrating this year.”

Every Australian now knows first-hand the impacts of social isolation on physical and mental health – something that many wouldn’t have previously realised prior to their own retirement or in extended periods of no work.

In lieu of a shed visit, AMSA Patron His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) acknowledged the many ways Men’s Sheds help strengthen communities in a video message for Shedders.

Since the early 1990’s Men’s Sheds have played an important role in providing men with a place to go, a community to belong to and mates that make it all worthwhile.

Now over 1200 Men’s, Women’s and Community Sheds are vibrant, diverse and thriving community hubs supporting thousands of communities around Australia, and the world.

Find your local shed at mensshed.org.

https://youtu.be/LuYYxbskcss