Thursday, June 12, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

A Decade Of Supporting Men’s Health In Sarina

As we mark National Men’s Health Week, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank reflects with pride on the many years of support provided to the Sarina and District Community Men’s Shed.

In 2014, Community Bank Sarina provided a community grant to lay the foundations – quite literally – for the Sarina Men’s Shed location that is now the organisation's home. Close to $100,000 in funding supported essential infrastructure that enabled construction to begin and by 2015 it was operational.

Sarina Men’s Shed Chair Jon Eaton said that without the support from Community Bank Sarina the Men's Shed would not have been able to achieve their ambitions as a group.

“We are so thankful and will be forever grateful to Community Bank Sarina,” Mr Eaton said.

Since then, the shed has evolved into much more than a building. It’s a safe and inclusive space where men can share stories, build skills and support each other through life’s challenges. From health conversations to hands-on projects, the shed fosters belonging, reduces isolation and strengthens men’s wellbeing.

The shed plays an active role in the wider community, with members regularly contributing their time and skills to create furniture for local schools, build items for hospitals, kindergartens and support community events with custom projects and repairs.

Community Bank Sarina believes in funding initiatives that have a long-lasting impact and The Sarina Men’s Shed is a perfect example of this. It’s a testament to what’s possible when local people invest in local ideas, with real support and shared purpose.

As a profit for purpose organisation, Community Bank Sarina is proud to have stood alongside the Men’s Shed to continue supporting programs that prioritise connection, resilience and men’s health in our region.

Sarina Men’s Shed members enjoy a monthly BBQ and have an upcoming open day – stay tuned to their Facebook page for more details at https://www.facebook.com/SarinaMensShedQld.

Two Sarina Men’s Shed members working together on a community project.  Photo supplied

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