Today I had the opportunity to celebrate the opening of the new Buderim Men’s Shed here on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia. I have been a member of this Men’s Shed for many years where I chair the Health & Well Being committee. This involves organising the monthly health education events, delivering the annual health screening tests and supervising the fitness centre three mornings per week as the guys do their resistance circuit.

This Shed has almost 300 members all over the age of 60 with many well into their eighties.

My role today was to host the official opening ceremony which was conducted by two federal politicians alongside our Shed president, Barry Cheales.

The contribution of Men’s Sheds to the health and quality of life of older men is obvious when observing them in action and across a longer time frame. Research suggests it helps overcome post-retirement loneliness and lack of purpose, two of the social determinants of health.

I will include a photo of the new shed complex which is purpose-built and brand-spanking new. The members have raised funds and accessed government grants and other support from sponsors and supporters to construct their new shed. The next few weeks will see a gradual movement across from our previous shed, our temporary home since 2013.

 Opening by Barry Cheales, Ted O’Brien MP and Scott Buchholz MP.

Impressive, yes? And so is the triple men’s shed. I can’t wait to set up our new gym circuit in the new space.