Page 1233 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 7 May 2014

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shed caters for men who enjoy convivial discussion forums, listening to guest speakers, going on excursions and participating in special interest group activities. Their regular meeting takes place on a Friday morning and everyone is welcome. There are about 80 members on the active roster and a regular meeting attendance of about 50 individuals. A typical meeting starts at morning tea, a discussion around the shed’s activities and plans, accompanied by a few cheeky interjections and then a guest speaker on an advertised topic. After the gathering there is lunch at the McKellar Soccer Club. I am looking forward to being their guest speaker at the shed later this month during Reconciliation Week. Some Fridays are reserved for a barbecue or an excursion to a local attraction.

Members also volunteer, as we have already heard, to help community groups such as the YMCA at their garage sales, working-bee improvements at the not-for-profit Greenhills Centre and fundraising at the Rotary trivia night for polio research. There are also the SIGs, the special interest groups, who meet regularly for walking, cycling, bowls, golf, tennis, mahjong, men’s sing-a-long and gaining and improving computer skills. To improve healthy eating and lifestyle, there is an activity at the CIT Fit and Well gym at Bruce. I am really impressed with the level of energy at this shed and their wide-ranging interests and activities on offer.

They have got a terrific website that also includes everything you need to know about their program and activities, information about other sheds and so much more, including a funnies page, plans and pictures for Rosella bird boxes and links to wellbeing sites. The weekly newsletter, which is written with style and wit, is on their website and is a testament to the enjoyment and comradeship of the Melba shed.

Men’s sheds are an important means for men to improve their quality of life. They offer enjoyment to many which, in turn, encourages a more active mind and body. This is good news for men’s health in general. I look forward to seeing the ACT government report on men’s sheds and hearing about its reception from the men’s shed community. Finally, I am also pleased to learn the forum has resulted in those reciprocal invites amongst the Canberra men’s sheds, further linking the community and spirit of friendship.

MS BURCH (Brindabella—Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Disability, Children and Young People, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Women, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Racing and Gaming) (5.34): I thank Mr Gentleman for bringing this motion to the Assembly. The men’s shed organisation has been close to my heart for many years; they are a fabulous organisation and they do great work for men—and for the community, because of the ripple effect of the work that the members of the men’s sheds do.

This government acknowledges the important place that men’s sheds occupy in our community. This is reflected in the ACT strategic plan for positive ageing, which includes the strategic priority of work and retirement and reiterates the importance of retired people continuing to be active in our community. The associated 2012-14 action plan includes the action of developing a policy on the government’s supports for men’s sheds.


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