About Men’s Sheds
What is a Men's Shed?
While many people think that Men’s Sheds are places where older men meet to make things - this is just the beginning of the Men’s Shed message. TMSA Member Sheds are becoming the heart and hub for men in communities right throughout Tasmania.
Many men struggle with the transition from a working life to retirement, often missing the camaraderie of their former workplace and feel a lack or purpose. There are many also that find themselves alone, often living in isolation and need to connect with their community but aren’t sure how. There are men that have moved to a new community that need to make some new mates. Becoming a member of TMSA Men’s Shed can offer you this and so much more.
You can learn a new skill or pass on your skill to others. Many members simply like to drop in for a cuppa and a game of crib. Some like to sit by the wood heater on a cold winter’s day and have a chat. It is now widely understood that men communicate in their own special way and the environment of a Men’s Shed is the perfect place to offload your worries in a place where you feel comfortable.
And Sheds aren’t just for ‘old blokes.’ Each shed is different. Many offer woodwork, welding, metal work, car maintenance, computer skills, gardening and that’s just the beginning. Restoration of furniture also keeps Sheds busy with members of the community choosing to repair or repurpose furniture and household items rather than replace.
Our Tasmanian Member Sheds are always ready to lend a helping hand in their community, from creating benches for public spaces, handmade trophies and souvenirs featuring Tasmanian timbers to collecting and delivering firewood for disadvantaged members of their communities.
And that is just the beginning of the diversity of Shed life. Most importantly, there is no pressure to do anything, just get out of the house and find a group of men that you enjoy being with.
There will be a Tasmanian Shed that suits your needs.
Visions, Values, Aims
Visions
Access to Sheds for all members to share, collaborate and engage with each other, for each other and the community. The TMSA exists to represent and support the development of sheds and their members across Tasmania, and to facilitate communication between Tasmanian Sheds. Men’s Sheds are recognised for the significant contribution they make to the wellbeing of members and to building communities. Inclusion of younger generations with the social benefits of Men`s Sheds increased connection and collaboration between Men`s Sheds Delivery of additional services to members by TMSA.
Values
Inclusion – TMSA maintains an open-door policy to our members .
Respect – A high level of respect is given to all Member Sheds and their shedders.
Collaboration – TMSA members values collaboration and acknowledges the contributions made by stakeholders in the support of sheds.
Recognition – TMSA recognises the expertise and contribution offered by members to the development of TMSA.
Aims
Be the representative association for Member Sheds.
Provide practical support and assistance for the sustainable development of new and existing sheds in Tasmania.
Contribute to the development of policy and strategy for a National Representative Body.
Develop activities and programs for the promotion of Men’s Sheds to the Tasmanian community.
“My Men’s Shed saved my life, if it wasn’t for the shed I wouldn’t be here today.”
— Member
What our shed Members Are Saying
“I joined a Men's Shed because I wanted to give back to my community, it was so much more than that - I got back far more than I could ever give.”
— Member
“I now have a reason to get up in the morning. I’d be at the Shed everyday if I could. It brings me so much joy to have such a great group of mates.”
— Member
“Men talk about things in a different way. At the Shed we talk through our problems and look out for each other”