How this unique Men’s Shed is helping retirees stay connected with community projects

This year marks the 12th anniversary of the Tuart Lakes Lifestyle Village Men’s Shed, a space that has created meaningful collaboration among its local retirees.

The Men’s Shed in Baldivis was created by a group of men at the village, who decided to fill it with tools and gadgets to ensure there was somewhere for them to come together, work with their hands and keep their minds active.

It also aims to help retirees adjust to community life, weekly activities, a smaller home and less garage space, which can be a hard adjustment for some at first.

More than 40 men and women gather daily to get creative, repair household items and catch up.

The shed is open to all and members range between their early 60s to early 80s, from those who have trade experience to those who have none.

“The building is a tin shed that we have extended to include a metal workshop to one side, our very own garden centre facility and a social area which includes a fire pit,” shed sub-committee member Rod Sharpe said.

“We produce some unique items to take to the local markets and sell. We survive on generous donations from residents and local retailers, and we also restore repair and recycle many of these items.

“It’s great to have an outlet to ‘chew the fat’, talk men’s shed business and generally support each other through good times and difficult times.

“Moving into a lifestyle community can sometimes be a bit challenging for men but having our shed keeps us occupied, active and involved.”

Mr Sharpe said the group made and sold prospector picks to WA retailers and profits went back into the workshop.

“Essentially, we convert old plough discs into these prospector picks, powder coat them, add a sturdy high gloss jarrah handle and market them, as well as number of other items under our Redbax brand,” he said.