Down on the Murray River, the Morgan Community Men’s Shed might only be a couple of years old, but the blokes there haven’t wasted a minute. What started as a small shed has quickly turned into a busy, reliable part of the local community — the kind of place where projects, people and ideas never sit still.
“We’ve got about 32 shedders on the books,” says Gary. “Usually four to ten blokes turn up on Wednesdays and Fridays. We’ve got plenty of silent members too — men and women — and they matter just as much when it comes to keeping things ticking over.”
Making the Christmas Pageant Their Own
Like many sheds, Morgan has found its niche with the local Christmas pageant — and they’ve gone all in. What began as a tongue-in-cheek float made to look like an old tin shed has turned into an annual production line.
Since that first build, the team has rolled out:
- A 2.5-metre kangaroo with a rider
- A 3-metre Murray cod
- A replica paddle steamer – the Canally
- And a whole collection of pallet-built Christmas decorations installed around town
The Canally took out best float in its category. The paddles even go around run by a jogging machine, and smoke arises from the stack and a whistle run be compressed air!
Locals know exactly who’s behind all the big pieces rolling down the main street.
“People have seen what we can do,” Gary says. “It brightens up the place — and it gives the blokes a good project to get stuck into.”
This year, they even scored surplus float materials from the Adelaide pageant, which will go straight into new community builds.
Life on the Murray: Sunshine, Drought and Roo Dodging
The Morgan crew knows river life well — the scenery is great, the pace is good, and retirees make up a lot of the town. But it’s not without its challenges.
A bit of unexpected rain can turn the roads dangerous fast.
“The roos and everything else come to the edges for a drink, and they get skittled,” Gary says. “It’s just part of life out here.”
The Women Behind the Shed
Morgan Shed has never taken the “men only” idea too literally. Women helped get it started, and they continue to back it — whether it’s making sandwiches, turning up to support events, or signing on as silent members to help with grant eligibility.
“The bigger your membership base, the better shot you’ve got at grants,” Gary says. “And it shows the community is right behind us.”
Staying Open When Others Close
While many sheds wind down over Christmas, Morgan has taken another approach. They only close on the three key public holidays — Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
“That time of year can be pretty lonely for some blokes,” Gary says. “So we stay open. The men want a place for a yarn and a coffee, and we keep the doors open as much as we can.”
Only a couple of members have keys and equipment to run the place, but they make it work to ensure no one is left without a connection point.
A Shed Growing Into Its Own
With a strong membership base, plenty of projects on the go and a clear role in the town, Morgan Men’s Shed is on the rise.
“It’s needed,” Gary says. “The men are here — and we’re growing.”
What started as a new shed on the river has already become a steady part of local life. And as Christmas rolls around, Morgan continues to show what sheds do best: pitch in, stay open, and look after their blokes.