Page 13 - Kickin Up Dust - Australia

FEATURE Bingara Men’s Shed

Surroundings Photography
For over a decade, men of Bingara have been coming together twice a week to foster their sense of
community in the local Men’s Shed. Through drought, mice-plagues, and then floods, the heavy metal
doors have continued to open, welcoming regular locals and visitor alike.

Although the premise of a workshop sets the stage for craftsmanship and design, this is a group where
companionship trumps ego and having a project on the go is optional.

Walking into the shed on a frosty morning is akin
to entering the ultimate workshop, with all manner
of jobs started, from welding projects, seating and
benches to planter boxes and bespoke car interiors.
The space was once home to a wheelwright (charged
with repairing the wooden wheels of old carts) and
more recently had a spell housing a panel beater.

After acquiring the space nearly ten years ago, the
Men’s Shed came together and quickly became a
hub of sawdust, expertise and fellowship. Even
the interruptions that came with lockdown and
COVID-19 restrictions couldn’t put a dent in the
value of the Shed and what it has contributed to the
community and men’s health.
Greg, Leigh, Laurie and the boys have been busy Over time the men have made great contributions to
getting the shed make-over underway, well, between the town and community groups. Projects such as
cups of tea and other custom jobs. the seating in the town’s Lion’s Heritage Park and
Memorial Park benefit the growing number of tourists
“The most important tool in the shed is the kettle,” coming to Bingara. Nesting boxes and koala watering
laughs Laurie Riley. “Some of us work, some of us stations have assisted Landcare. Even a replica fire
just have a cuppa.” truck for the Rural Fire Service was built from the
ground up and has been used to educate children on
And John, well, he’s busy out the back most days visits to local schools and pre-schools.
and was quite miffed that I had asked him to come
inside for a group shot. One major objective of the organisation is to advance
the well-being and health of their male members
and to encourage social inclusion – something the
Bingara members place at the top of their agenda.

As a community-based, non-profit, non-commercial
organisation a shed is accessible to all men with
a primary objective to provide a safe, friendly and
healing environment to work on meaningful projects
at their own pace in their own time in the company of
other men.
Over the years, the Men’s Shed has received a couple
of grants to help things along, and they are auspiced
by Gwydir Shire Council, but for the most part the
group is self-funded and has grown organically over
the time with donations of equipment and materials.
Having been involved since the start, Greg Nichols
says they are always looking for new members and
encourages anyone who might be interested to call in
and see what they are all about. Open on Monday or
Thursday morning, Greg tells me that the best time
to call in is about 10 o’clock.
KICKIN UP DUST “It’s when we have smoko,” he says with a wink.

Kim Miller
Bingara Men’s Shed
@surroundingsphotography_au
12 Socials - @surroundingsphotography