What began as a small project to get district men out of their house and moving around has become an invaluable asset to the community.
There aren’t many community projects or events the men’s shed doesn’t have a hand in.
The team at the shed is working on planter boxes for Nagambie’s main street, has made furniture for the Nagambie Community House and other residents as well as myna bird cages and held more fundraising barbecues than it can count.
President David Keall said the group was more involved in the community than ever now it operated out of its purpose-built shed in Filson St.
‘‘It was tough going at the Scouts Hall and we had to make do with what little space we had,’’ Mr Keall said.
‘‘We were limited in what we could do back then because there just wasn’t room. But no-one was complaining because we were just happy to have a space to meet.
‘‘Since moving into the new shed we’ve amped up what we can do and we’ve had plenty of new members.’’
Mr Keall said the team was now fundraising for a new barbecue trailer to keep the snags coming at various community events.
‘‘The trailer we have now is a bit past its used-by date and we need something that’s more suited to what we do,’’ he said.
‘‘We’re working hard to make that happen so we can be ready to put on plenty of barbecues in summer.’’
Mr Keall said men’s sheds were important for members’ mental and physical health.
‘‘The shed gets these blokes out of the house and talking to other men. Sitting alone all the time is not good for your mental health,’’ he said.
‘‘We don’t have any skill requirements and encourage local men to come in and have a look at what we do.
‘‘Some blokes like to get stuck in and get some work done and others like to just come in for a cuppa and a chat.’’
The Nagambie Lakes Men’s Shed is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 1pm.
For more information, phone David Keall on 0433435145.
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