Cooler time ahead for Men’s Shed

Members of the Rockingham Community Shed for Men are looking forward to a cooler summer after the organisation received funding towards air-conditioning for their Anniversary Park home.

Brand MHR Gary Gray visited the shed last Friday to make the announcement, met members and was given a tour by chairman Keith Allen.

Mr Allen said the funding, from the Veteran and Community Affairs program, was desperately needed after sweltering through two summers since the shed opened 18 months ago.

‘‘(The) last two summers it has got that hot in this shed we’ve been up to 45 and 47C,’’ he said.

Mr Allen said the temperature inside the shed had become so hot at times the shed had to close early and adjust its opening hours.

Mr Allen said the shed had played a pivotal role to help change members’ outlook on life.

‘‘One of the biggest problems when a guy leaves work, he doesn’t realise it, but that’s his social life gone because all his mates are still at work,’’ he said.

‘‘One of the marvellous things here is we’ve got guys who started with depression, recovering from depression and they come down here ...they’re very iffy to start (off with) and then they start to flower.’’

Mr Gray said the shed gave men a purpose in their later life and allowed them to contribute to society.

‘‘Blokes here are producing stuff for schools,’’ he said.

‘‘What comes from it is the use of your skill, the use of materials, many of which are donated, and you get enjoyment out of it.’’

The shed operates Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and is open to retired men.