The Ballina Community Men’s Shed has been in operation since 2011. In that time, it has had over 100 members and completed more than 250 orders, aiding numerous community groups in practical ways. Some of their notable projects include:
- Boomerang blanks for Bunjum Aboriginal Co-op
- A chicken coop for a local kindergarten
- 100 bird nesting boxes for a local wildlife project
Members also create specialised wooden merchandise to sell at local markets, including multipurpose coat hangers, chopping blocks, candlesticks, napkin holders, bookends, and wooden toys. Initially, the shed was located at Southern Cross K-12 School, but due to space constraints, it was forced to seek an alternative location and moved to a purpose-built facility at 44 Fisheries Creek Road.
After early setbacks trying to secure council or racecourse land, and even losing some grant funding when those plans fell through, the group kept at it and eventually gained access to a deceased estate on Fisheries Creek Road with the help of the Church and Ballina Shire Council. With strong backing from local, state and federal supporters, plus pro bono engineering help, the shed was designed, funded and built into the well-equipped facility members enjoy today.
Structure and Governance
The BCMS is governed by a committee of nine members who meet monthly. Seven supervisors, two of whom are always rostered during workshop hours, implement policies and adhere to WH&S guidelines developed by AMSA. The shed is registered with the ACNC as a Not-For-Profit Health Promotion Charity and holds Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status with the ATO.
Men’s Health Focus
The Men’s Shed supports men’s health, especially mental health, by providing a supportive community where members can engage in activities at their own pace. While woodwork is the primary activity, the expansion into a new facility has allowed us to include metalwork, leatherwork, and a community garden.
The Ballina Community Men’s Shed is a member of the Australian Mens Shed Association which after less than 10 years boasts around 1000 member Men’s Sheds in Australia (with another 300-400 overseas) composing about 125,000 members. You can visit their website here!