Kelsbie stops by Margaret River Men's Shed

The Margaret River Men’s Shed welcomed a special visitor last Monday when Member for Warren Blackwood, Jane Kelsbie MLA, stopped in to check out the Shed.

Invited by members with a view to sharing the Shed’s facilities and resources, Ms Kelsbie met with chairman Terry Hutchings, and other members during the visit.

Mr Hutchings explained the workings of the Men’s Shed, from providing items for sale to the local community to undertaking minor works like repairs to furniture and restoration projects members help out with on a regular basis.

He also pointed out that the Shed does not compete with professional trades undertaking building or maintenance work, but seeks to solve basic problems and help with projects on a smaller scale.

Ms Kelsbie said she was particularly appreciative of one the Shed’s core aims – to provide a stable, safe environment for those experiencing loneliness, anxiety and other mental issues.

A discussion followed about the strategies employed by Shed members, included active listening, compassion and connection which contribute to their wellbeing.

Ms Kelsie also inspected some of the items made by members, which the Shed sells to the wider community including wood-turned bowls, cutting boards and storage containers.

She purchased two possum boxes, designed to help protect local populations of the critically endangered Western Ringtail Possum.