Already with 48 members the Men’s Shed in Pambula hopes to become a large part of the local community.

For the first two years of it’s life the group will run out of the Sunshine Centre near the Community health Centre and Imlay House in Pambula while the organisation tried to save money to build their own purpose built shed in the area.

Pambula Men’s Shed president John Hanley said like all Men’s Sheds the Pambula group won’t just be about building toys and fixing furniture.

“We want to support local people and our members, and really Men’s Sheds revolve around mental health and wellbeing,” Mr Hanley said.

“There are a lot of men in our community who are on their own having lost their partner, there are enthusiasts with nowhere to go, people who have hobbies they want to share, or just some people looking for company, this gives them a way to come together and give back to the community.”

The Pambula Men’s Shed already has bathrooms, a donated barbecue, a donated billiards table and plans for a computer space.

“Men’s Sheds aren’t just about building toys and fixing furniture; Men’s Sheds are building communities and fixing lives,” Australian Men’s Shed Association Executive Officer David Helmers said.

“The benefits of Men’s Sheds extend well beyond the shed – activities at the shed support local people, groups and organisations and bring people together in ways that strengthen communities.”

At the Pambula Men’s Shed, men will have the opportunity to find friendship, a sense of purpose and a place to belong and contribute.

Mr Hanley said he hopes the shed will devote a lot of time to worthwhile community endeavours such as completing major projects, donating arts and crafts, participating in community events, and actively promoting men’s health and wellbeing.

The strength of the Men’s Shed concept is in its simplicity and adaptability to members’ and community needs.

“While we have ideas on what we want the Shed to be, it will all be dictated by our members and what they want and need, all our plans are subject to change,” Mr Hanley said.

The Pambula Men’s Shed will officially launch with a barbecue at its new headquarters, the Sunshine Centre, on Saturday, October 7 at 12 noon. All community members, men and women, are invited.

For more information on the Pambula Men’s Shed email pambulams2549@gmail.com or call 0400 579 218.