A Tale of Transformation and Triumph
Edmonton Men’s Shed recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary, and as it looks forward to a very bright future, they take the time to reflect on their past …
What began as an idea conceived by Ross Baines and George Lisha had humble beginnings. It all started with a small group meeting at the local community centre with a desire to create a space for local blokes to socialise and enjoy working on projects. After electing a committee, including Peter Firth as their first president, they approached the Cairns City Council for a space to set up shop. Several Sites were considered before they were offered an old Tractor Shed on Thomson Road. While the Shed was in a challenging state, resembling something built from salvaged bits and pieces, the newly formed Committee was not to be discouraged.
They saw beyond the broken concrete flooring and rusty roof and sides to imagine what the Shed could become and embarked on a mission to raise much-needed funds. Plans were submitted for Council consideration. A bit of a hiccup was encountered when it was found that the steel mesh on the flooring needed to be increased; however, the Council offered to pay for one bay if the Shed could raise the funds for the other bay.
The Shed's journey from humble beginnings to a thriving workshop involved many milestones. Shed Member Tony Baldwin donated Dexion frames, which were made into sturdy work benches. Ken Robertson spearheaded grant efforts, leading to the successful re-roofing of the rear skillion roof. The local Council joined in the effort and concreted the rest of the Shed. Meanwhile, the derelict end of the Shed was able to be rebuilt due to a grant received from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
Local businesses also played an invaluable role, with fundraising efforts such as sausage sizzles at Bunnings helping to build a large collection of woodworking and metalworking tools.
The expertise of members like Dennis, our skilled metal worker and welder, has been invaluable. Ross Baines, who was Shed President for several years, also obtained an old container, which became the perfect storage space for paints and flammable material. Initially a refrigerator container, ever-innovative Shedders used unneeded materials by stripping the inside and selling the scrap metal.
In addition to physical improvements, the Shed embraced sustainability with the installation of solar panels and a storage battery, thanks to a recent grant. This initiative not only reduces costs but also contributes to a greener future.
Now celebrating over a decade of growth and achievement, the Edmonton Men’s Shed looks forward to many more years of fostering creativity, community, and camaraderie. Their story is a testament to what can be accomplished through teamwork and dedication.
