Shed 6: Airlie Beach Men’s Shed. Queensland.

Visit date: Tuesday 22nd January 2019.

This Shed does not have a website, but the AMSA one does. So, I phoned Alan Corney (Secretary) who told me that the shed had recently taken occupation of new premises about half an hour’s walk along the coast from where we were staying in Airlie Beach.  He told me that the building was on land just off the beach, and that if I walked past the ‘Fat Frog Beach Cafe’, I would have gone too far.

So, off I went, and sure enough, after a nice half hour stroll along the coastal path I eventually found the Shed.

When I arrived, the boys were having the customary cup of tea, Alan welcomed me, and I introduced myself and told them of the reason for my visit.

The building was an old Scout Hut with an open veranda, which had lain empty for a great number of years.  The Committee had known of it for some time, but started lobbying for it over three years ago,  when its use was finally granted and occupation started in November 2018.  The Shed was founded in 2016 in Airlie Beach, but the original premises there soon became unsuitable.

The building sits on a high bank next to a stream and a children’s playground.  It measures 16m x 8m, with a basement area of 10m x 8m, giving an approximate work area of 130 m², which as can be seen in the photos is predominantly used for wood working.  There is space available for metalwork and welding. 

The lads have enclosed the veranda, and excavated additional floor space in the basement, both areas of which are used as workshop areas and storage.  A large container is also used for storage.

The view from the side entrance of the building looks across the playground, and the coast road to the sea.

Funding and sponsorship relies primarily on money raised from community projects, and the sale of toys, shelter and nesting boxes for Possums, birds and Sugar Gliders.

The lads are sponsored by the DIY company, Bunnings, and do about six ‘Sausage Sizzlers’ a year which earns the Shed about AU$4000 profit.

Public Liability Insurance is arranged through the Australian Men’s Sheds Association at favourable rates.

I was told that Federal Funding is available but limited. This capital is managed by the AMSA and the allocation of funding is based on submitted Projects.

Membership stands at 29 who pay a membership fee of AU$25 per annum and a weekly attendance fee of AU$5 for tea and coffee.

For more information: The Shed has a Facebook page, and local media websites.