BLOKES are returning to sheds across the country in time for Men's Health Week.
Mensheds Bendigo was among those that came back to life last week after a three month COVID-19 hiatus.
The gathering place is again humming as mates gather to catch up and build things, president Grant Sherriff said.
"We've done it with the blessing of the national government, with strict social distancing rules in place," he said.
More news:
Mr Sherriff said the group had not had time to organise anything for Men's Health Week but members would not mind.
"It's been great to get back in. A lot of members had been banging their heads against the walls waiting until they could come back."
Many of the group's 67 financial members do not have their own sheds, machinery or know-how to finish projects at home.
To the naked eye Men's Sheds might seem to be all woodwork and manual crafts, but they are also a vital link for many people's connection to the community, Men's Shed Association executive officer David Helmers said.
"Around the world men - particularly older men - are finding themselves much healthier and happier through involvement in Men's Sheds," he said.
The national association will keep an online men's shed and The Shed Wireless podcast open for the foreseeable future.
"But you can't beat the sound of machinery and making sawdust amongst mates," Mr Helmers said.
"I know that I can speak on behalf of the almost 1200 Men's Sheds around Australia when I say, it's just great to be back."
To find out more about Bendigo and Marong's three Men's Sheds, visit www.mensshed.org
Tom O'Callaghan
I grew up in Bendigo and I want to tell your stories.
I grew up in Bendigo and I want to tell your stories.
