The Burdekin Men’s Shed Association hosted its annual Seniors Month morning tea, inviting members of the community to enjoy coffee, tea, and delicious food.
Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin and Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP spoke to attendees while a slideshow displayed the history of the association.
The Burdekin Men’s Shed Association was founded in 2011, rejuvenating old scout buildings on Young Street, Ayr that had been derelict for a decade.
The men meet at the Men’s Shed every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8:30am to 11:30am, where they enjoy morning tea before dispersing amongst the five workshops onsite, where men will learn and promote new skills.
The Men’s Shed also hosts meetings every third Saturday of the month, where they invite a guest speaker to talk about men’s health, a management committee meeting once a month and a luncheon once a month.
“What we do is we address men’s health issues, loneliness, isolation, all that type of thing,” said Secretary Charles Ford.
“We all have various ailments and nearly every operation that’s going, but if a person comes down here, he forgets about what he’s got and momentarily it fades away.
“It’s a good place to be and a great reprieve for the partners and the wives when the men come down here.”
The Men’s Shed also has a mentor role in the community, where members collaborate with Burdekin PCYC, East Ayr Primary School, and Burdekin Special School to mentor young people.
“We fit into the community, we’re part of the community, they give us a lot and we give back a lot,” said Charles.
Accepting donations of old furniture, the Men’s Shed relies on the generosity of the community to keep them going.
“Without that generosity from the community, we wouldn’t be in the position we are now,” said President Rob Ritchie.
To find out more about the Burdekin Men’s Shed Association, call 0467 083 502 or email burdekinmensshed@outlook.com.
Ken Hall, Councillor John Furnell, Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin and Burdekin Men’s Shed President Rob Ritchie
Ron Coutts and Harry Simpson
Zonta Club Burdekin Secretary Inez Larson and President Judith Sgarbossa
Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
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