Iona West Men’s Shed Invites Local Men To Get Involved

After a well-earned Christmas break, the Iona West Men’s Shed is back in action, extending an open invitation to local men to join their vibrant, supportive, and social community.

“If there’s any men interested in joining our organisation, they’re very welcome,” said Publicity Officer Alan Grant.

“You don’t have to be retired to join, but if you are, it’s a great way to keep occupied.”

The Men’s Shed provides a space for connection, learning, and contribution, particularly for men adjusting to significant life changes or for those seeking companionship.

“A lot of guys, when they leave work, their colleagues are more like acquaintances rather than friends,” Mr. Grant explained.

“Joining a group like this can help them build friendships.

“For men who’ve retired or are separated, divorced, or lost a partner…it’s a great place to come and feel connected.”

Members voluntarily engage in diverse projects, from crafting wooden items to restoring furniture, with a focus on craftsmanship and sustainability.

“You don’t have to have any real skills, but it’s handy if you do.

“We can teach an old dog new tricks,” Mr. Grant humorously added.

The group is also open to community requests for bespoke projects or restoration work.

“If people in the community have projects they’d like us to do, like restoration work or making something, we’re happy to talk to them about what they want and come up with a price.”

A commitment to environmental sustainability underpins their work, with an emphasis on repurposing materials.

“We try to use a lot of old timber, second-hand timber, because we believe we’re looking after the environment.

“We’re not cutting down trees, and we try to keep our prices down,” Mr. Grant said.

As a not-for-profit organisation, the Shed relies solely on community support.

“We’re all volunteers here…so buying locally keeps us going and at the same time provides people with something that is really well made,” he noted.

Located at 7 Brooks Street, West Mackay, behind the Uniting Church, the Iona West Men’s Shed welcomes new members to visit, take a tour, or discuss project ideas. The Shed is open Mondays from 1 pm to 4 pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 am to 4 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.ionawestmensshed.org, email Bruce Miller at lynnbrucem@gmail.com, or contact Geoff Strange on 0432 983 181.

‍

The Iona West Men’s Shed invites local men to visit, volunteer, or get involved in their supportive community, where they can connect, contribute to projects, and learn new skills, all while helping to create sustainable, locally handcrafted items.

John and Chris proudly display the Cancer Ward Bell board, donated to Mackay Base Hospital Children's Cancer Ward

Seed Library displays made for the Mackay Regional Council, on display at Gordon White Library - made by Allen from recycled Silky Oak.

Photo source: Iona West Mens Shed Inc.

‍