There’s plenty of space to go around in the Trangie Men’s Shed, which member John Wise said changed his life. 

There’s over 2,500 Men’s Sheds in 12 countries across the globe, and this week, they’re all being celebrated.

Mr Wise - one of around 20 members of the Trangie Men’s Shed - said that working with their hands is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the community they have created within those four walls. 

“We don’t put emphasis on the work, it’s mainly the social aspect. People are connected to the community, and have a connection of camaraderie,” Mr Wise said.

“We target people that are on their own, may be lonely and missing the camaraderie of going to work,” he said. 



Mr Wise said it wasn’t until he became a member of the Men’s Shed that he understood he was suffering from depression post-retirement. 

“Now everything’s fine. It’s something to do, to get away from the house and just enjoy time with mates,” he said. 

“Smoko is the most important part of the day…when the bell goes all work must stop and we sit around the smoko table and discuss all sorts of things.”

Currently, the team at Trangie are recycling pallets and turning them into display boxes for local shops. 

Mr Wise hangs his hat with pride on the fact that there are more Men’s Sheds around Australia than McDonald’s restaurants.

Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) Chairman Paul Sladdin said that more than 50,000 Australians benefit from participation. 

“Men’s Sheds are an Australian invention that is now an international phenomenon enhancing -even saving - the lives of many men, and building better communities,” said Mr Sladdin.

Mr Wise is one of thousands of Australians who are the organisation’s greatest advocate. 

“It’s just one of the greatest things I think there is for men. Once they retire, all of them are not fit enough to go and play sport. That gives them somewhere to go, other than go to the club,” Mr Wise said.

Despite the name, he said that the shed is for everyone. 

“Even though it’s a Men’s Shed, ladies are welcome,” Mr Wise said.

Men’s Shed Week runs from 4-10 September.