About our shed

About Us

The Shed covers five woodworking groups:  toy making, furniture/cabinet making, woodturning, wood carving and pyrography and has an extensive range of woodworking machines and hand tools for use by members.

Members can choose to work on their own projects or participate in our toy or shed projects. Some members come for the social aspects associated with a like-minded group, or to learn, improve and hone their woodworking skills.   No prior woodworking skills are required and members can learn from skilled supervisors and access the knowledge of other members of the Shed and our Library.

Membership is open to both men and women of all ages over 14, subject to the individual’s capacity to accept verbal and written instruction and to work safely with machinery, which if used incorrectly can be dangerous.  Safety procedures are in place both for your own protection and the protection of members.

For those approaching retirement as well as those already retired, the Shed provides a social outlet that many lose when they retire from the permanent workforce.  Members’ wives and partners support the existence of the Shed and its aims and objectives, because it provides an enjoyable social and rewarding activity outside the home.

The Shed, in November 2017, donated 450 toys to disadvantaged children via its charities and has done so for many years.  As well as toys, Shed members have been involved in the construction of specialised furniture and equipment for hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and other local and regional organisations.

Whilst the Shed membership consists of mainly retirees, there are a significant number of young and employed members.

While the Shed accepts commissions from third parties to raise funds, members are not permitted to use the Shed’s resources for the purposes of commercial activities.

Shed Activities

all aspects of woodwork

Find us

Contact

John Dear

Address
33A Sefton Road Thornleigh, NSW 2120
Get Directions

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Thank you to our partners and supporters that help us provide offers, programs and assistance to Australian Men’s Sheds. Read more about our partners and supporters.

Major Partner

Partners

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Positive impacts

Camaraderie

"I've found a great group of mates"

Mateship is an important pillar of every Men’s Shed – first and foremost the shed is a place for men to knock about with a group of like-minded mates.

Community

“I give back to the community”

Men’s Sheds are vital community investments delivering programmes and activities that foster community spirit and contribute to building a more inclusive Australia.

Health & Wellbeing

“My health and wellbeing is better because I'm a Shedder”

Many shedders experience improved mental health outcomes. Men (and women) involved at their local Shed report increased self-esteem through participation and learning new skills; de-stigmatisation of experiencing mental health and de-stigmatisation of prevalent social issues related to mental health.

Watch — More than just a shed

The Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) is the national service provider supporting more than 1,200 Men’s, Women’s and Community Sheds and is recognised as one of Australia’s largest male-based community development organisations.

AMSA was established in 2007 by a collection of Australian independent community-based Men’s Sheds to represent, support and promote the Men’s Shed movement. It was founded on the principle of sharing information between sheds and those communities wishing to establish and operate a Men’s Shed. It acts as a central hub for information exchange.

Facts & Figures

1,200+
Sheds

Men’s Sheds across Australia (that's more Men's Sheds than Macca's restaurants!)

12
Countries

More than 2,500 Men's Sheds operate in 12 countries

30
Years

The first Men's Shed was established in 1993 (Goolwa, South Australia)

50,000+
Australians

More than 50,000 Australian men participate in Men's Sheds