Lalor & District Men’s Shed Information Booklet
Men’s Sheds are inspired by the original ‘shed in the backyard’ that have long been part of Australian culture. Sheds are usually men’s workstations: a place where they go to fix things, do some handy work or simply exercise skills in craftsmanship. Today, Men’s Sheds have expanded beyond the backyard and evolved as a community-based, non-commercial organisation open to men (and in some areas, also women). Men’s Sheds are now a big movement aiming to improve the health and well-being of Australians by providing tools and fully equipped spaces where they can socialise and work on meaningful projects at their own pace. There is now a network of over 1000 Men’s Sheds across Australia since the first Men’s Shed opened in Tongala, Victoria. Men’s Shed Associations are also gradually spreading all over the world.
Background of Men’s Sheds
Lalor & District Men’s Shed
In early 2013, Bronwyn Halfpenny M.P. for Thomastown conducted a needs analysis, started a consultation process and formed a steering committee. Together, the group registered Lalor & District Men’s Shed (LDMS) as an incorporated association (A006019) that operates a Men’s Shed. LDMS opened in March 2014 and since then, we now have a membership of about 80 mostly senior men and women, many of whom are of migrant background. A number of our members are veterans. Many are children of veterans. Pre-covid, LDMS averaged about 2,600 visits a year. Our members are mostly over 65 and are either semi or fully retired. Coming from diverse cultural backgrounds, they bring a variety of vocational and professional skills and life experiences.
“Our Shed was formed as a place of camaraderie, fellowship and support for those in the community seeking to maintain their health and wellbeing whilst staying active and relevant to their community.”
— Allan Carbis, President, LDMS
“For some, the shed provides a respite from isolation and a panacea to the loneliness and depression that can sometimes accompany retirement, bereavement or other life changing events or illness.”
— Jim Kerin, Secretary, LDMS
Membership & Affiliations
Lalor & District Men’s Shed (LDMS) is one of only two Men’s Sheds in Whittlesea local government area. We are affiliated with the Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) whose codes of practice guide our governance and operation. LDMS is also insured under the AMSA group insurance scheme.
Additionally, LDMS is a member of the Victorian Men’s Shed Association (VMSA) and is an active participant in the affairs of the VMSA Northern Men’s Shed Cluster. In March 2021, we have also been officially registered a charity by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. View charity certificate here.