Don Rothnie of the Menai Men’s Shed

The Men’s Shed movement creates heroes in every community

The Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) distills the central aim Men’s Shed movement as providing “men with time on their hands something meaningful to do with that time.” This is a neat central premise but, as AMSA details, the attendant benefits are many.

Don Rothnie, Secretary of the Menai Men’s Shed and IMB Bank Community Foundation 20^th Anniversary Community Hero, joined the Menai Men’s shed in 2015 to complete the restoration of a century-old farm wagon for the Sutherland Shire Historical Society. He provides a window to the deeper benefits of Men’s Sheds. “The Shed is a community in itself,” says Mr Rothnie, “giving camaraderie to its members whilst at the same time fulfilling tasks for those in the public arena.”

Community works and engagement gives members creative outlets and benefits the communities around them. Everything from furniture to school playground equipment to cubby houses and antique or traditional tools is lovingly crafted and restored, then supplied to the community.

“At Menai, we are constructing dry land bridges, pirate boats, possum boxes and sandpits for schools and childcare facilities as well as repairs to furniture and the construction of workbenches,” says Mr Rothnie.

This simple act, of coming together with a common purpose, gives the Men’s Shed members the opportunity to discuss the pressures and joys of life in a comfortable environment and welcoming atmosphere, enriching their lives and providing a tangible connection to their peers and communities. “It’s a good group of people, sociable and great to get along with. You can come up and do your own work or pitch into the projects we are working on,” says Mr Rothnie, adding, “It’s very worthwhile.”

The combination of fraternity and philanthropy is a great success – and it’s growing. Today, there are over 1000 Men’s Sheds in Australia, with more than 150,000 members registered with AMSA, which provides insurance, support and guidance to the network. This Australian initiative has branched out into several other countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Japan and New Zealand. Menai now has 105 members and has forged a cooperative relationship with the Country Women’s Association – or CWA – to create meaningful change in the wake of the drought in Australia. 

The IMB Bank Community Foundation has provided grants to several Men’s Sheds since 1999, including funds for a drill press for the Bowral Men’s Shed in 2019. The ICF funding has improved the facilities and capacity of the Menai Men’s Shed, the construction and the acquisition of power tools.

For Don Rothnie, the ICF grants have unlocked the potential of the Menai Men’s Shed and is the kind of seed funding that creates a growing, thriving community. “Communities need the support from all levels of government,” he says, “an approachable management in the community body and ongoing recognition of the work volunteers do.”

Find a Men’s Shed near you and how you can get involved