THE Midland Men’s Shed celebrated its 13th birthday in a year set to see big changes including information sessions for women, and more collaboration with other groups when their new workshop extension opens. The new workshop’s extension and fit out on Swan Avenue in Midvale is expected to be open by August.
Membership has grown to more than 100 men who have a place to talk, relax and feel valued among peers.
Midland Men’s Shed president Andy Klita said women often asked for information sessions that would help them know how to use tools and fix basic things around the house.
“This has been continually requested and is something the shed will be able to do now, thanks to our expanded workshop,” Mr Klita said.
He said the workshop allows a place for men to just be alone together and connect in the way they tend to do when women are not around.
“It’s good to talk and men tend to open up much better to each other in this type of environment – we think it works well,“ he said.
The expanded workshop will also allow the Midland Men’s Shed to open its doors to a wide range of community groups who want to participate in workshops run by members, including those with disabilities, school groups, particularly home-schooled children and nursing homes.
Mr Klita said the new workshop extension will allow the Men’s Shed to provide more services now, that they haven’t been able to provide in the past.
“It will allow us to better actively engage with our community,” he said.
The Midland Men’s Shed meets socially at the Bellevue Baptist Church Hall on Tuesday mornings and monthly they have a range of interesting guest speakers.
The Midland Men’s Shed is located at the Baptist Church Hall, Bellevue and for further information contact president Andy on 0419 921 805.