Since the Burdekin Men’s Shed Association came to be in 2011, they’ve developed a strong link to the community. Known as a great place for recent or long-time retired men to go and keep up their skills, learn about men’s health issues, build lasting friendships with other blokes, and give back to the community, they’ve long been admired and respected within the region.
However, with their membership numbers falling as a result of many older members passing away or moving, there are concerns that if they don’t find new members to inject much needed lifeblood, they may not last another 14 years.
Burdekin Men’s Shed Secretary, Charles Ford, and members, Antony, and carpenter, Steve Bridges. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen
Established in 2011, the Burdekin Men’s Shed Association (BMSA), is a not-for-profit organisation that has been a haven for men to keep up their skills in retirement, engage with others, learn about men’s health issues, while giving back to the community.
The BMSA meets every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8:00-11:30am, where they promote various activities that focus on recreation, skill building, and community projects such as making their popular kid’s toy boxes, and tables & chairs.
“We have five buildings and three workshops – one for woodworking, one for small items of craft, another for welding, metal fabrication and mechanics – and we have another front building where we run garage sales. We have a big stock of furniture and items up there. We also have our own chooks, so we can provide eggs for our members,” Charles Ford, Secretary of the BMSA says.
With monthly general meetings and committee meetings three times a year, the ‘Shed’ has felt like a home away from home for many men, making them feel part of something while offering a place to address health issues in a safe, supportive environment with other blokes.
“We get a guest speaker to come along who speaks about some form of men's health issue, which the guys find informative. After the meeting, we then have a sausage sizzle and drinks and a laugh. We also have monthly luncheons at six different venues within the Burdekin, which is for our members and friends to participate in, along with trips to other Men's Sheds in Far North Queensland,” Charles adds.
The BMSA is responsible for all their expenses, from council rates to site building maintenance and equipment repairs, insurance, electricity, printing and postage etc. However, that gets more difficult with the decline in membership numbers due to members passing on or moving. The BMSA once had 80+ members, today it’s dwindled to half that number.
“For the sustainability of the Men's Shed, we've got to look at trying to recruit younger members of the community, and members who will basically take a position on our management committee. “It's a good place to be and we want them to come enjoy themselves, as so many do,” Charles adds.
A big selling point about the Men's Shed is that it offers a reprieve for men’s partners and family, instead of them being stuck at home looking up at the ceiling. Once families bring a man down to the Men's Shed, they can then do whatever they want for that short term the men are there.
“When a man comes, participates, and has enjoyed himself, he goes come home and talks about something new and exciting. We’ve seen a lot of benefits for men and their families,” Charles smiles.
Annual memberships fees are only $50, but with all the incredible benefits for men’s overall health, well-being and their families, it’s hoped more men will join and contribute.
The Burdekin Men’s Shed Association, which relies on fundraising and grants to keep the lights on, welcome donations or sponsorships from businesses and companies, families, and individuals, who wish to support them in addressing men’s health (physical, mental, emotional, social well-being), within the greater Burdekin region.
For donations, sponsorship, or information, call: 0467-083-502, email: burdekinmensshed@outlook.com or better yet, go visit them at 155-157 Young St, Ayr.
Burdekin Men’s Shed Secretary, Charles Ford, and their only carpenter (at present), Steve Bridges, outside one of their sheds. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen
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