Survey shows community men’s sheds build skills and mateship

23 May 2007

The first national survey of community 'men's sheds' in Australia has found that not only do they do a lot of good for the men who participate in them, they also benefit partners, families and their communities.

The survey also throws new light on their potential for learning and wellbeing for a group traditionally alienated by conventional programs.

Community 'men's sheds' have been around for a decade or more, building on the important place of a man's shed in Australian culture.

Different from the backyard shed, community men's sheds are workshops where men gather regularly to participate in hands-on activities such as wood and metal work and for mateship.

The survey was undertaken by researchers at the University of Ballarat for the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).

University of Ballarat's Associate Professor Barry Golding says "Sheds allow men to tap into the essence of being 'blokes' ".

He says "Our team looked at 24 of the men's sheds and we found groups of men who feel better about themselves, are happier at home, have a strong sense of belonging and appreciate the opportunity to give back to the community through what they make and do".

They pursue hobbies and interests, learn new skills and hone old ones and, at the same time, contribute to the community through special projects.

Currently, there are about 175 men's sheds in Australia, primarily in southern Australia, but the numbers are growing.

Most sheds cater primarily for older men although there are exceptions. Of the men who participate in sheds, 89% are over 45 years of age, around 75% retired from paid work and 40% are qualified tradesmen.

Golding says "Many face issues associated with ageing, disability or declining health, isolation, separation and redundancy. It is a group often difficult to draw into conventional health, employment, education and training initiatives."

"One of the themes in the responses to our questions was that men enjoy the opportunity to 'get out of the house' - and almost all 'feel at home' in the shed."

"They also like the practical learning they can gain at sheds - and the fact that there is no compulsion."

Mark Cully, General Manager of NCVER says "Men's sheds are valuable because they help these men in ways that formal learning environments do not".

The research was managed by NCVER as part of the National Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation program, funded by federal, state and territory governments.

ENDS

Further information:

Men's sheds in Australia: Learning through community contexts by Barry Golding, Mike Brown, Annette Foley, Jack Harvey and Lynne Gleeson has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments with funding provided through the Department of Education, Science and Training. Copies can be accessed from 9.30am AEST today http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/1780.html

Media enquiries: Amy Mellow, Marketing Officer or Colleen Young, Manager, Marketing Services on +61 8 8230 8400.

Interviews: Associate Professor Barry Golding, University of Ballarat and Mr Mark Cully, NCVER are available for interview. Men's sheds contacts are also available in most states. Please contact Amy Mellow or Colleen Young for details.