Harper Sercombe
The Hume Men’s Shed in Craigieburn has found a unique way to give back to the community.
The facility has been operating for more than 15 years, and is always creating new opportunities to help its members through helping others.
This time it’s through salvaging cut down trees from the Craigieburn Road widening project.
“Seeing the state government has stopped logging of hardwood, it was suggested we could use some of the trees from the project and give back to council,” Craigieburn men’s shed president Bruce Triptree said.
“Council picked the trees out and gave them to the men’s shed to be milled. It’s a part of Hume and it’s the last of the hardwood being logged in the state.”
The shed went on to use the wood for community woodworking projects, including making a table that now sits in the foyer of the council building in Broadmeadows.
Mr Triptree has been a part of the shed for the last 11 years and said it’s been fantastic for his mental health.
“I’ve made a lot of friends … you can make things and speak to people,” he said.
“If it wasn’t for men’s sheds most would be sitting in front of the TV depressed because we’ve got nowhere to go. It’s the only place men that are retired or have had an accident can go and still contribute to the community.”
The act of giving back to the community by working with their hands is a unique way for men to express themselves on a daily basis in creative ways.
“Some people are disabled and so can’t do things like they used to… one guy with one leg made a table for himself at his level so his wheelchair can fit under,” Mr Triptree said.
“I’ve been told by (one disabled member) this is the only place he has friends. It’s really hard for men to find these relationships.”
