National Men’s Shed Gathering

Australian Men's Shed Association, Chairman, Mr Luke Clifton and Executive Officer, Mr David Helmers; Queensland Men’s Shed Association Chair, Mr Lawrie Bingham and CEO Mr Frank Pearce and Committee Members; Men’s Shed Members, volunteers and partners from across Australia, welcome. 

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here tonight, and I thank Refiti Tovi for her Welcome to Country.  

As Joint Patrons of the Queensland’s Men’s Shed Association, it gives Graeme and me great pleasure to welcome you all to Brisbane for this very special gathering of Men’s Shed members, leaders, volunteers and partners from around the country. 

Over the next two days, this 11th National Conference will provide a valuable forum for discussion, covering themes that speak to the grassroots objectives of the Men’s Shed movement and explore practical matters to ensure successful Shed operations. 

Perhaps most significantly, though, this Conference demonstrates the essential reason that makes Men’s Sheds so valuable and beneficial, which is one of genuine human connection.  

This is clearly expressed by the enthusiasm and commitment of everyone who has travelled from near and far to be here, and I know you have already spent a fabulous day together shed touring! 

Graeme and I have been fortunate to visit many Men’s Sheds in our state, from those based in Brisbane, to those much further afield, such as in Townsville, Mossman and St George.  

In chatting to the local Shedders—no matter where they live—we are always struck by how grateful these men are to belong to a group that not only utilises their unique skills, expertise and capabilities, but is reliably there in good times and bad, offering the warm hand of friendship and a good laugh, when it is most needed. 

From a health point of view, this opportunity to avoid the perils of loneliness, is of immense benefit to mental wellbeing, and it is no wonder that what started modestly in Goolwa, South Australia, in 1993, has spread to more than 1,200 Sheds in Australia, and to well over 2,500 across the world, and now also incorporates women’s and community sheds. 

What Graeme and I also recognise, is the incredible contribution Men’s Sheds make to the vibrancy and strength of their local communities, particularly when times are tough. Alongside regular activities, we see Shedders helping public facilities be rebuilt after natural disasters, creating recreational spaces for others, or raising funds to help other Men’s Sheds who have met with adversity. 

This determination to enrich and enhance communities is powerful, and I congratulate in advance, those Members who at Thursday’s dinner will be receiving National Men’s Shed Awards, for going that extra mile to ensure this movement thrives.  

While each Men’s Shed has its own story of creation, and its own flavour and focus, each one is united by a spirit of meaningful purpose, and I know that this Conference will allow you to share your ideas and learn from each other, while at the same time working hard to make the initiative even stronger, for future generations. 

I thank the Australian and Queensland Men’s Shed Associations, for bringing this biennial Conference to Brisbane. With the support of generous partners, you are doing so much to support Men’s Sheds across the country, and to see growth and expansion that “builds healthy communities” inside and outside the movement. 

Graeme and I wish you all the very best for an informative and productive few days, which, we know—without a doubt—will also be incredibly enjoyable.