The Katoomba Men’s Shed is a not for profit community organisation that promotes the health and wellbeing of men by providing opportunities for men to share time together, swap yarns and work together on community or personal projects. It is inclusive and encourages membership and participation of men from all walks of life.
We are particularly aware of the social isolation and the boredom that often leads to depression when men experience a change of circumstances such as ceasing work.
The Men’s Shed provides a place where men can be in the company of other men. There is good evidence that just belonging to a community organisation can be a big help. Experience also shows that men are more likely to talk through their problems in this sort of environment.
Friendship, loyalty and camaraderie are highly valued in Men’s Sheds around the world, where shedders are offered with a place to belong and contribute with purpose.
Katoomba Men’s Shed provides for a wide range of activities including computers, electronics, gardening and a range of workshop-based hobbies. It also provides opportunities for more passive activities such as a chat with other men, a game of cards or reading a book from the in-house exchange library. The activity program is flexible and can be easily adapted to cater for new interests, particularly when a member is prepared to share their personal skills and experience to lead a new activity.
The Katoomba Men’s Shed is an independent and self-funded organisation affiliated with the Australian Men’s Shed Association.
The objectives of our Shed are established in the Shed rules (Constitution). They are:
To advance the health and well-being of our members by providing a safe and happy environment where skilled and unskilled men can, in the company of other men,
(a) Pursue hobbies, pastimes and interests
(b) Learn new skills, practice and pass on old skills
(c) Learn about their own and other men's health and well-being
(d) By their efforts, contribute to their families, their friends, the Shed and their community
(e) Mentor younger men