The Australian Men’s Shed Association recognises a Men’s Shed as a community based, non-profit, non-commercial organisation accessible to all men. The shed’s primary activity is the provision of a safe, friendly and healing environment where men are able to work on meaningful projects in good company. The major objective of a Men’s Shed is to advance the health and well-being of members, and to encourage social inclusion.
The Hawker Men’s Shed (HMS) was established in October 2019 and initially operated under an auspice agreement with Softball ACT. HMS become an independent incorporated association in 2023 and is a registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient status.
The auspice agreement set aside space within the softball precinct for construction of suitable facilities for the operation of a Men’s Shed, a proposal agreed to by the ACT Government’s Sport and Recreation Department.
What started with a demountable and a single 20 foot shipping container has grown over the intervening years to encompass a purpose built meeting room attached to a dedicated workshop, three conjoined shipping containers as secondary workshops with a fourth for storage, a community / activities room plus a double garage and garden shed for extra storage.
The construction of these facilities, specifically the workshop and community room, have been achieved only through the support of industrious members and their fundraising activities, the ACT Government, Softball ACT and a very generous grant from The Snow Foundation.
From the outset, HMS has promoted core values of social inclusion for all – we were one of the first to actively welcome women as members to our ranks – by providing a relaxed and friendly environment, the opportunity to impart knowledge and learn new skills, applying them to participation in local community activities.
Want to know how you can get involved?
Hawker Men’s Shed host a number of Repair Café and Local Made Market events throughout the year where stalls will be setup for secondhand tools and household goods as well as possum boxes and bird boxes.
Orders can be taken for possum and bird boxes via email. In addition, the market will have eco-friendly handmade gifts, toys, jewellery, garden ornaments, home grown produce and more.
We look forward to welcoming you at the Shed!
Upcoming Events
For more events, visit the Calendar page.
Visiting the Hawker Men’s Shed
45 Walhallow Street, Hawker, ACT, 2614
MEN: Every Wednesday from 9.30am to 12 noon.
MEN & WOMEN: Every Friday from 9.30am to 12 noon.