The Mapleton Men’s Shed is a community organisation focused on enhancing the physical and mental well-being of its members through the provision of a suitable site with the necessary facilities and tools which enable members to socialise and engage in meaningful and productive activities. These activities, inevitably, create and reinforce a supportive network of social relationships among participating Men’s Shedders. This ethos is inspired by the Australian Men’s Shed Association of which the Mapleton Shed is a member.
MONTHLY LUNCHEON
VOLUNTEERING
President's Message
Rob Evans
Welcome to our website.
Our Shed is situated on the corner of Delicia and Mapleton Forest Roads, Mapleton where we have been for more than 10 years. As you can see by the images, our buildings have been rescued and extensively refurbished from the derelict remains of what was once the old Mapleton Forestry Office. This has been achieved through more than 10,000 hours of enthusiastic volunteering which extended from an initial core of Men’s Shed members.
We now have an upper building with a kitchen which serves as a welcoming and meeting place where visitors can simply drop in and have a chat. The larger, lower building houses two office areas, a fully equipped workshop for metal and woodwork and a picturesque outdoor dining and entertaining area set in manicured grounds. There is also a storage shed with a workshop for small-engine repairs.
This whole facility has been brought to life with one overriding purpose in mind: that is to support and enhance the physical and psychological health and well-being of our members. To these ends, all workshop areas are available to our members for personal and community projects. Naturally, any mentoring and guidance which may be needed whilst working in the Shed is always at hand from members who are experienced and qualified in the skills necessary for the successful completion of almost any project. Camaraderie is also a very important aspect of this endeavour and, often, a group of our blokes (that’s what we call our members here), will often gather for a cuppa and a chat in our new café-kitchen area where a long-time committee member oversees the activities involved with these casual, friendship-building get-togethers.
We support local community organisations such as Mapleton Kindergarten, Mapleton Community Library and Mapleton and District Community Association (MADCA) through the provision of any small project work and/or labour when required. Also, two or three times a year we travel further afield as a club to provide assistance where skilled labour is in short supply to such places as Proston and Cunnamulla where local community buildings have needed some maintenance and refurbishment work.
Currently we have a membership of more than 80 members from all walks of life, experience and abilities. This mix of individuals ensures lively debate and heaps of fun.
Our official open times for the drop-in centre in the upper, Old Barracks building are on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings from 9 .00 am to 12 noon whilst the main shed is open for the same time period every day except Sunday.
Please give us a call, send us an email or simply drop in for a chat.
You will be very welcome.
The official opening of the Mapleton Men's Shed was the endpoint of Shed members' commitment and hard graft in refurbishing the old Mapleton Forestry Office complex into a safe, practical and beautiful facility which embraces a new era whilst reflecting its former glory.
Please click on any image, below, to view the slideshow.
