It’s National Men’s Shed week and today the Member for Whitlam Stephen Jones met with members from the Moss Vale and Bowral men’s sheds to celebrate their work, and to highlight the important role men’s sheds play in our community.

Men’s shed help men of all ages beat social isolation, while being engaged in meaningful community projects. From gardening to wood and metal work, cooking, and bike repairs. If you’ve got a hobby, men’s sheds have a venue.

This year’s Men’s Shed Week has looked and felt quite different due to COVID-19, but in 2020, men’s sheds are more important than ever.

Necessary social restrictions saw thousands of men’s sheds close, and shedders immediately became isolated. In an effort to combat socially isolation men’s sheds began to run virtual sheds to stay connected with members and look after each other.

Stephen Jones said that men’s sheds play a valuable role across the Illawarra and Southern Highlands communities.

“Many people are surprised to learn that men’s sheds get funding from the Commonwealth Health Department. The genius of the program is that the health and mental health stuff is embedded in a seamless way. It’s great”

“I’ve always been a big supporter of the men’s shed movement, and always enjoy dropping in and having a chat. They are a great place for men to meet, chat with each other, and learn a new skill”