Connection is just as vital as infrastructure in regional communities, and it’s places like the Dalby Men’s Shed that step in and create not just a workshop, but a sense of purpose and community service.
“Most important is the companionship and the ability to work side by side to do wood and metal work, or play some games,” said Leith Tebbit, president of Dalby Men’s Shed which has around 26 members who meet twice a week.
“Instead of staying home and doing nothing, it gets us out and about and refreshes our minds,” he said.
Smoothing the way for community craftmanship
Dalby Men's Shed president Leith Tebbit at the drum sander purchased with funding through Round 13 of CS Energy's Community Sponsorships Program.
CS Energy recently assisted the Dalby Men’s Shed to purchase a drum sander with funding through Round 13 of CS Energy’s Community Sponsorships Program.
“We mainly do jobs for the community,” Leith said. “We’ve built sandpits and games for different local organisations to help them out.
“We’ve produced trophies for organisations, a mini golf set for the library, wooden toys for local preschools, equipment for use at the high school in a teaching unit that combines mechanical motion and art, donations for charity raffles, silhouettes used in domestic violence campaigns.
“Over 800 toys have been constructed from timber for inclusion in gift boxes benefitting children overseas.
“And we do a lot of private work as well – if people want something specifically built, like a special cabinet, stuff that you can’t get done anywhere else.”
Many of those projects require a finish that a drum sander provides, Leith said.
“We were sanding by hand before, and using electric handheld machines, or sometimes a belt sander but many members found it difficult to hold the heavy equipment for a prolonged period of time.
“The drum sander has its own feed table which allows users to feed the wood through more safely.”
A safe space to connect
Senior Constable Dan O’Hara, the Western Downs Patrol Group District Crime Prevention Coordinator based at Dalby Police Station is a regular visitor to the Men’s Shed, and knows firsthand the importance and impact of the group to the community.
“It’s all about support for older men,” he said.
“It gives them somewhere to meet and a place to have social engagement, which is very important, particularly after they’ve retired – the fact is, they begin to lose contact with people, and it’s a good way for them to socialise in a good, positive and supportive environment.
“It’s a known fact that a lot of older men suffer from stress and mental health related issues, and it’s very good therapy for them to get together in a group in a setting like this, twice a week, so that they can just talk, engage, and also do meaningful work in the workshop.
“We really do appreciate the support we’ve been given by CS Energy. Without the support of companies and community groups, the Men’s Shed would probably struggle, so it’s something that we’re very proud of, and happy with the support.”