You’ll find more than hammers and nails at the Tatura Men’s Shed — you’ll find friendship, laughter and a fair bit of good-natured banter.
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Something that News photographer Megan Fisher and I were able to experience first-hand in October, after being invited in for a tour.
Welcomed with smiles, we were led through not one shed, but what felt like four, and it was clear on arrival that there’s plenty to offer men of all ages.
Established around 2012, the Tatura Men’s Shed has grown from a single small room into an impressive network of workshops.
From the sound of machinery to the smell of fresh timber and the occasional burst of laughter, it’s a place built on connection as much as craftsmanship.
Vice-president Tom Perry and long-time member Peter Gibson were our enthusiastic guides, sharing stories behind the many projects under way.
“Over here is the woodworking area — that’s where the dust flies,” Peter laughed, leading us past benches stacked with half-finished projects.
“And this is the dust-free shed where we paint furniture and cabinet pieces.”
From restoring vintage railway sets to crafting wooden wheelbarrows and Federation seats, every corner revealed something different.
One table held a 3D printer producing miniature parts for model trains, while another space showcased metalwork, welding, and machining — the “oily, greasy bit,” as Peter described it.
And then there’s the bird business.
In a back corner sat rows of cages, purpose-built to trap invasive myna birds — a project that’s surprisingly popular.
“We’ve made more than 200 of them,” Tom said.
“People even come down from Echuca to buy them.”
Each sale comes with an information sheet explaining the humane trapping process.
“We give people the steps and let them do it properly — it’s about helping protect native birdlife,” he said.
While the woodworking and metalwork areas are impressive, it was what waited in the final shed that truly surprised us.
Bottles lined the shelves, and the scent of fermentation filled the air.
“This is our winemaking room,” Peter grinned.
“We make Shiraz, rosé, port — even ginger beer and apple cider.”
The men source grapes from local growers, and every bottle is for members only.
“We don’t sell to the public,” Peter explained.
“It’s just for those who help pick, crush and ferment — that’s part of the fun.”
Each batch is carefully logged in a journal dating back to 2014, with notes and calculations filling the walls.
In summer, the room sits at a steady 18℃, perfect winemaking conditions, apparently.
However, Tuesdays are the big social day, when members come together for a $10 lunch, taste a little of their handiwork, yes, taste, and enjoy a chat.
“Fellowship is really what we’re about,” Tom said.
“You don’t need to be retired or have any special skills. You can just come in, have a coffee, and be part of something.”
Today, the Tatura Men’s Shed has about 40 members, with room to grow.
They’re always welcoming new faces, young or old, skilled or just curious.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about what gets built or bottled — it’s about the mateship along the way.
If you're interested in finding out more and checking this impressive men’s shed out for yourself, we highly recommend you take a tour like we did, as it was nothing short of incredible.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Tom Perry with one of the Men’s Shed’s famous myna bird cages — more than 200 have been built by members so far.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Peter Gibson in the Tatura Men’s Shed wine room, where members produce their own Shiraz, rosé and cider.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Leigh Williams and Tony Boccabella gearing up for some welding at the Tatura Men’s Shed.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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