The Woodend Men’s Shed has just 12 weeks to build a new workshop, relocate its machinery and equipment, and be ready to reopen by mid-December — and its members are rolling up their sleeves to make it happen.
The Men’s Shed has been based at the old Mill site at 988 Black Forest Drive, Woodend, for the past five years. Following the sale of the property in December 2025 and the new owners taking possession in July this year, the Shed needs to vacate its existing workshop areas so the site can be repurposed for the owners’ incoming business.
But rather than seeing the Men’s Shed leave the site altogether, the new owners have stepped in with an offer that president John Reynolds describes as a “lifesaver”.
Recognising the important role the Men’s Shed plays in the Woodend community and its 50 members, the new owners have made about 400 square metres of space within a large onsite storage shed available for the organisation to establish a temporary new home.
The result will be something the Shed members are calling a “shed within a shed” — effectively a new workshop being constructed from scratch inside an existing factory space.
Members have already cleared and cleaned the area and are now preparing for the major works. These include waterproofing sections of the building, constructing internal walls and completing the electrical and lighting fit-out before the planned move in mid-December.
For Mr Reynolds and the members, the clock is ticking.
“For a small site, there are a lot of complexities,” Mr Reynolds said. “We are effectively building a new facility on a bare factory floor for around 30 active members, while also relocating all of our machinery, equipment and facilities — and we have about 12 weeks to make it happen.”
The project will rely heavily on the practical skills of Men’s Shed members, with assistance from local tradespeople where required.
“It’s a big job, but our members have a huge range of skills and we are going to put them to good use,” Mr Reynolds said.
The Woodend Men’s Shed is also keen to acknowledge the generosity of the new site owners, whose decision to accommodate the organisation has allowed the Shed to remain part of the Woodend community while a longer-term home is sought.
“The new owners have been incredibly supportive in providing this temporary home for us,” Mr Reynolds said. “It gives us the opportunity to keep the Shed operating and continue the work we do in the community.”
HELP NEEDED TO GET THE SHED OVER THE LINE
While members are providing much of the labour, the project will require materials, specialist work and funding to meet the tight December deadline.
The Men’s Shed is now calling on local businesses, tradespeople, community organisations and individuals who may be able to provide financial assistance, materials, equipment or practical support.
“We’re going to need some help from the community to get this project finished,” Mr Reynolds said. “Any sponsorship, donation or practical assistance would be very welcome.”
The Woodend Men’s Shed currently has about 50 members, with about 30 active members using the workshop facilities.
For a group whose philosophy is built around practical skills, friendship and community involvement, the challenge of constructing a new home in just 12 weeks is proving to be another project worth getting stuck into.
“It’s never boring in our Shed,” Mr Reynolds said.
HOW TO HELP
Anyone wishing to support the Woodend Men’s Shed’s relocation project can contact:
John Reynolds
President, Woodend Men’s Shed
0419 395 584
woodendmensshed@outlook.com