Hobart, Tasmania, August 2009

As the leading organisation for supporting and resourcing men's sheds across Australia, the Australian Men’s Shed Association plays a pivotal role in assisting non- Indigenous men dedicated to their health and well-being.

Isolation, loneliness, depression and anxiety loom as health related issues for many men. In Australia, men's sheds play an important and practical role in addressing these and other concerns. Men’s sheds can help connect men with their families, communities and mainstream society. With many others, Mibbinbah Limited Chair, Rick Hayes, played an invaluable role supporting the movement with his report, Men’s Sheds: Exploring the Evidence for Best Practice. It was co-authored with Shelby Williamson and is referred to constantly.

Mibbinbah was invited to speak at the 3^rd Men’s shed conference in Hobart, Tasmania. The key concern was to speak about our work with “Indigenous Male Spaces”. The trip was sponsored by Ted Donnelly’s men shed at Lane Cove in New South Wales. The excursion was great for Mibbinbah as there was plenty of interest around our activities. There was enthusiastic agreement about the importance of Indigenous men providing leadership in the non-Indigenous community as well as among other Indigenous men.

Attending the conferences was also useful for re-engaging with other important organisations such as Mensline, and the Prostate Foundation of Australia who are all keen to help us with training for our lads. beyondblue and Andrology Australia are also important partners.

I (Jack Bulman) was also able to speak with numerous men’s shedders who were keen to help us as volunteers. We believe that this would be invaluable for the capacity not only for our lads, but also for the non-Indigenous men as well. It is the chance for everyone to be able to tell their authentic stories. In doing so, we can try to quash some of the myths.

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