A shed that nails friendship

Mens shed week, Craigieburn. Pic of Peter Shea, Barry Gardiner, Russell Brown, Tony Hall, AJ Magaton, Gino Merlo and Bruce Tripptree. (Damjan Janevski)

By Holly McGuinness

If you are ever driving past the Craigieburn Men’s Shed and wondered what goes on inside pop your head in for a chat.

You will be warmly welcomed any time, but curious bypassers were particularly welcome during Men’s Shed Week which wrapped up on September 10

The dedicated week, from September 4 to 10, was a time of celebration for men’s sheds across Australia as they support men to come together, building a sense of purpose while learning new skills.

Craigieburn Men’s Shed president Bruce Tripptree says there’s a multitude of things to be involved in no matter your existing skill level.

“We offer woodworking, metal work, computers, gardening and we offer it for any religion or ability. We’re all volunteers. We organise projects like potting benches and seats” Mr Tripptree explained.

“It’s even for guys who can only drill in a screw to a chair. It gives them something to do.”

Mr Tripptree said that one member who is nearly 74 frequently travelled past the Craigieburn shed prior to joining.

“He thought it wasn’t for him, that you had to know about woodwork or metal working, he ended up coming along and now he loves it. It’s changed his life,” he said.

Mr Tripptree sat prior to joining the man “sat alone at home” but that now he’s been a member for some time he passes on skills he has learnt to younger men.

The shed is always on the lookout for new members and donations to assist with projects.

Details: humemensshed.com.au/