Due to a rural downturn, Wangaratta Expo closed its operation and the facility they built now lay idle. Several ex members, including Russell Frankel, thought the building would be well suited to a Men's Shed.
They forwarded the idea to the Rural City of Wangaratta and at a subsequent meeting, which included representatives from the Wodonga Men's Shed and other interested individuals, a decision was made to push forward.
After more groundwork, and assistance from the Rural City, the Wangaratta District Men's Shed was born in March 2011. Russell was voted the inaugural president, and his efforts made for a positive start to the organisation.
The Shed has come a long way since those beginnings and is now a successful operation with 55 members.
The shed is indebted to the efforts of Russell Frankel and Ted Waldron (first vice-president) who have sadly passed away.
Men's Sheds are a place of encouragement for all to take an interest in their own health and well-being. Good health is also based on many factors and becoming a member of a Men's Shed gives a person that safe and busy environment where many of these things can be found in an atmosphere of old-fashioned mateship.
And, importantly, there is no pressure. You can just come and have a yarn and a cuppa if that is all you're looking for.
Members of Men's Sheds come from all walks of life - the bond that unites them is that they are people with time on their hands and they would like to do something meaningful with that time. Why not come and check out Wangaratta District Men's Shed?
The Australian Mens Shed Association (AMSA) is a community-based organisation that's accessible to all whose primary activity is the provision of a safe, friendly & healing environment. Members are able to work on meaningful projects at their own pace, in their own time and in the company of others.
A key focus is to advance the well-being and health of its members & to encourage social inclusion.
Click the following link to read more about men's sheds on the Australian Men's Shed web site.
