The Eden Men’s Shed Inc won one of two awards for Men’s Health at the National Men’s Sheds Awards this year. The awards, which are proudly supported by Fair Dinkim Builds, celebrate the simple greatness of Men’s Sheds from all over the country.
Eden Men’s Shed Inc. has a close working relationship with the Southern NSW Local Health District, and frequently has speakers from the NSW Governments Southern NSW Local Health District, and other organisations, who talk on a variety of health related subjects ranging from prostate cancer, dementia, first aid and the proper use and application of their in situ defibrillator.
In March 2023 Eden Men’s Shed Inc. organised and hosted the first Far South Coast Men’s Health Muster. Fifty-five members from ten Sheds attended, from Narooma and Cooma in New South Wales and Bemm River in Victoria and a few people from the general community. Nine health and community organisations gave advice and provided the attendees with information and guidance during the breaks. Four speakers presented on topics ranging from pharmaceuticals to depression, with a great talk by Wayne Wigham, from the Black Dog Institute.
Based on the success of the first event, the Eden Men’s Shed Inc. hosted the second Far South Coast Men’s Health Muster. This event was even more successful than the previous one, with over 65 participants, some from the general community, 13 information stalls and 6 speakers. Again, the speakers were very well received, with talks given on prostate cancer and the need for exercise (which included everyone participating in some light exercising) to suicide and depression including Leota (Freddy) Purcell, from talk2mebro.
Feedback from the Musters resulted in requests for more Musters along the same lines. A snapshot of the comments made are:-
• fantastic networking with other Men’s Sheds a real bonus. Thank you Eden Men’s Shed and AMSA
• good to meet members of other Sheds, swap stories, get ideas, learn from the experience of others
• excellent event far exceeded expectations
• would like to see more on personal health i.e. yoga, benefits of meditation, Pilates, regular exercise programs
• frequent musters – quarterly, yearly or 18 monthly, perhaps hosted by a different Shed each time
• the best segment was each Men’s Shed talking about what they do and challenges they have experienced
Men attending the Far South Coast Men’s Health Muster