Shedders’ story told in new book

THE first Australian men’s shed was established in rural South Australia in 1993, and the concept has since boomed, with more than two-and-a-half thousand worldwide.

This movement’s development, growth and evolution is the expert subject of Federation University Australia Honorary Professor Barry Golding who has officially launched his latest book on the topic.

The publishing of Shoulder to Shoulder: Broadening the Men’s Shed Movement was celebrated in the best way possible last week, within the workshop of Buninyong Men’s Shed where the smell of sawdust wafted through the air.

“Men’s Sheds are predominantly volunteer-run, grassroots, community organisations that do incredible work in and for their communities,” Honorary Professor Golding said.

“After my initial book in 2015, I wanted to check in on the movement to see how it was coping during the global pandemic, and the [131] case studies have revealed amazing stories of how the movement pivoted from in-person support, to dropping food parcels off at one another’s doors, to Zoom tutorials on how to turn a piece of wood.

“This book has documented the positive impact of Men’s Sheds on the health and wellbeing of men, their families and their local communities, and I argue, in order to thrive and survive, Men’s Sheds need to broaden their reach to both younger and older people, as well as women and people with a range of cultural backgrounds.”

Honorary Professor Golding co-authored a research component of the book with Federation University Associate Professor Annette Foley. They believe men’s sheds will grow in popularity and importance as communities continue to recover from the strains of the pandemic.

Buninyong Men’s Shed secretary Chris Kruger welcomed guests to the book launch including Federation University vice-chancellor and president Professor Duncan Bentley, national and state-level shed bodies, Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King, and “shedders” from across Ballarat.

“We’re honoured to have been asked to host this event for Barry. He’s been involved in our Shed for a great many years,” Mr Kruger said.

“We hosted an international academic delegation a few years ago for him, have helped out with his focus groups, and the high regard and positive vibes shown both ways have been really great, and we appreciate that.”