Seaforth Men’s Shed Making A Difference

Timber, tools, tea bags, and Tim Tams.

These are a few things you can find in the Seaforth Men’s Shed, along with the friendly, approachable, and skilful men that contribute so much to the community.

The role of the Men’s Shed is to provide a place for men to meet up, have a chat, and develop their skills, whether that be life skills or woodturning skills.

They are heavily involved in the community, donating their time to schools and other local establishments.

Last month, the Seaforth Men’s Shed donated two timber benches to Woolworths Marian.

Kerry Smith of Woolworths Marian says she found the need for comfortable chairs for people to sit on while waiting at the checkouts.

“It was suggested that we contact the Men’s Shed, which we did,” Kerry said.

Owen Clatworthy of Seaforth Men’s Shed said they frequently take donations of timber and furniture for such projects.

“Luckily, we had timber here, but my neighbour, her brother was moving house and wanted to know if we wanted some timber,” Owen said.

“So, we put our timber and the timber he had and ended up making the chairs.”

The exemplary display of community service was just one end of a good deal, with Woolworths Marian providing bread and sausages for an upcoming Men’s Shed sausage sizzle in return.

“They’re awesome, they’ve been very supportive, and Owen especially had rung me quite a few times and asked me what I thought of various aspects,” Kerry said.

“Woolworths are very proud to support them, especially with their barbecues, I know they raise a lot of money through their barbecues, so it’d be really great for the community to support them through that as well.”

You can find the men of the Seaforth Men’s Shed at their next sausage sizzle on June 12 at Bunnings North Mackay.

Camaraderie is another great benefit of Men’s Sheds.

Chris is a member who is travelling around Australia and says the guys at Seaforth Men’s Shed have welcomed him with open arms.

“The guys were really nice and welcomed me in, so I stayed for a little bit and helped them a tiny bit and doing a couple projects myself for my mental health so made me feel welcome,” Chris said.

The Men’s Shed is made up of members from Marian, Ball Bay, Hamden, Seaforth, and Mount Ossa.

The gents come from a variety of backgrounds including the military, surveying, and carpentry.

To anyone considering joining the Men’s Shed, Owen says “do it”.

“Just come and enjoy the company,” said fellow member Sam.

Seaforth Men’s Shed is open 9-12 Mondays and Tuesdays next to the Seaforth Bowls Club and men interested in joining are encouraged to just rock up.

They also welcome donations of furniture, equipment, and tools.

“That’s the idea of the Men’s Shed: discuss things, have a cup of tea, tell some jokes, and mainly just talk,” said Owen

“Men will talk more about their health issues more here than anywhere else.”

‍