Bill Darvell hasn’t looked back since joining the Cobram Men’s Shed five years ago, saying it’s a great way to meet people and learn new skills.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
If you can dream it, there’s a fair chance your local men’s shed can make it.
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In time for Men’s Shed Week (September 8 to 13), Cobram Men’s Shed is calling out for new members, cutting membership fees to make it more affordable to join than ever before amid a cost-of-living crisis.
For member and past vice-president Bill Darvell, the Cobram Men’s Shed has provided an avenue to get out of the house and keep busy.
“For me personally, it was something to do, and I enjoy a bit of woodwork and making things,” Mr Darvell said.
With its youngest member in his 30s and the oldest in his 80s, the shed has members from diverse walks of life and experience.
There’s no expectation to be proficient in woodworking, with learning opportunities available.
Mr Darvell said members did not need to bring any tools or equipment with them — although they were welcome to bring projects along to work on.
“You don’t have to do anything; you could just come down, have a chat and a cuppa,” Mr Darvell said.
Bird boxes made by members at the Cobram Men’s Shed are a popular gift and are ideal for attracting birds to the backyard.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Beyond providing an outlet for men to put their hands to practical use, the shed serves as a gathering place where men can socialise over a cup of coffee or tea and learn new skills, providing a mental health boost for many.
“It’s good to come up here, have a chat with the lads and make something,” Mr Darvell said.
Reducing opening times to three days a week over winter doesn’t mean the members at the shed are slowing down.
In fact, the shed has recently added new gear to its toolkit, including a CNC machine and an adjustable band-saw.
The shed has produced many projects over the past year, including Easter bunnies, miniature fire trucks and its ever-popular bird boxes.
Membership fees have been reduced from $70 per year to $50 per year, in a bid to attract new members.
For more information about the Cobram Men’s Shed, call secretary David Sezun on 0419 542 067.
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