Warrnambool celebrates annual Men's Shed Week

The Warrnambool Men's Shed has about 40 members who get together three times per week to build things, have a yarn and a coffee, and enjoy each other's company.

The Hyland Street shed is part of the 1000 sheds that celebrated this year's Men's Shed Week.

The annual event is led by the Australian Men's Shed Association to highlight the contributions of Men's Sheds to their members' health and well-being, and to the wider community.

Established in 2006, the Warrnambool shed is housed inside a single-car garage donated by Seal Inc over a decade ago.

Since then, the group has worked hard to put in new concrete floors, re-wire the building and turn it into a productive and friendly environment.

Founding member and president Phil Pettingill said members ranged in age, from 30 to late 80s.

"As long as they can keep walking into that shed, they keep coming," he said.

Mr Pettingill said the group repair furniture, build toys for children and assemble bikes for Warrnambool retail stores Kmart and Target.

Their crafty woodwork, alongside donated tools and furniture, is sold at their pop up shop located in the old Lifeline building on Raglan Parade.

Mr Pettingill said there was a sense of satisfaction when the men worked as a group to get a job done.

"The focus on building something, knowing you're helping out the community, working as a team, and finishing something as a group - there's a great satisfaction about that," he said.

But Mr Pettingill said the shed was not just about woodwork and manual crafts, but an opportunity for men to participate in their community and spend time with their mates.

"Men's health is the biggest benefit at the shed," he said.

"We've got guys who regularly say they've had their annual health check up and their doctor was amazed at how much their health has improved since getting involved, and we know that ourselves too.

"We have a few guys who, because of their health, are limited in the hands-on stuff but they come along for a coffee and a chat and occasionally, they'll be there to give some advice on one of the projects."

The group has grown from strength to strength over the years but Mr Pettingill said they were beginning to outgrow their beloved shed.

"We're currently negotiating with the education department to provide land for a new shed, which should happen once the Warrnambool Special Development School relocates," he said.

"And now that we've moved into the pop-up shop we are hoping to sell more items to raise more money. So if anybody wishes to donate tools or furniture for us to sell, that would be great."

Mr Pettingill said anyone thinking about joining the Warrnambool Men's Shed should just do it.

"We are always open to new members, so just come down and pop in, even if it's just for a cup of coffee and a chat," he said.

"Membership is $30 for the year and most of that is insurance."

Men's Shed Week was celebrated between September 23 and 29.

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.