About our shed

About Us

The Whyalla Men's Shed (WMS or the Shed) is a grass roots community based organisation currently comprising about 50 volunteers (including some Work for the Dole particpants) who meet regularly to socialise, make things, fix things and restore things. The WMS started out in late 2012 following a public meeting which resulted in the formation of a working group in February 2013. The Shed became an Incorporated Entity under the SA Department of Business and Consumer Affairs in April 2013.

In the early days particpants (10-12) met twice a week in a tin shed at the back of ‘Life Without Barriers’ on Knight St, Whyalla Stuart. In January 2014 the Shed moved to it's permanent premises (the old St Martin’s Church) on Williams St in the centre of Whyalla. Since that time, members have been busy renovating and refurbishing what was a vandalised, neglected, run down old building.

The shed now has about 40 paid up members (often called ‘shedders’) with about 25 attending on a regular basis. The average age is 70 years; the youngest is 34 years old and the oldest about 85 years.
The objectives of the Shed are to improve the social and emotional well-being of members by providing the opportunity for socialisation, camaraderie, friendship, as well as constructive endeavour and peer support providing members with a sense of identity and purpose.

At the Whyalla Men’s Shed, men can -
Pursue hobbies, pastimes and interests;
Learn new skills, practice and pass on old skills;
Foster male physical, psychological health and well-being;
Offer health promotion activities and heath information;
Mentor men, young and old, including those affected by unemployment, social and economic disadvantage, relationship breakdown or bereavement, ill-health and mental illness;
By the efforts of the members, contribute to the Shed, families, their friends, and their community

 

Shed Activities

The shed is now an enviable, multipurpose space, testament to the ownership and commitment of its dedicated volunteers. Apart from work that required licensed tradesmen (electrical and plumbing), all the work has been done by the shed members.

The shed offers a smoke, drug- and alcohol-free, multipurpose space with a range of facilities -

a common room for meetings and socialisation;
well equiped workshops to enable small construction, repair or restoration projects in wood or metal;
a games room equipped with pool table, television, and games;
a small library containing fiction, non-fiction as well as hobby and craft books and magazines;
a networked computer suite with Internet access used for computer refurbishing and computer tuition;
a small office area and display foyer where shed-made products are available for sale;
a kitchen for preparing light meals and refreshments, and;
an outdoor recreation and garden area.​

Members are justifiably proud of what has become a well recognised, respected and valued community organisation supporting the men of Whyalla.

Find us

Contact

Gary Misan

Address
55-59 Norrie Ave Whyalla Norrie, SA 5608
Get Directions

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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