Shed History
Our Men’s Shed was started in 2011 at the house of President David Westlake. After three months the manager of the Wynnum Manly Free Legal Service invited us to use her office for period of 3 months for our weekly meetings.
Opening day with Tim Mathieson
On the 6th of December 2011 the state government gave us a lease under the old Wynnum Central State School, this was the day when we received the keys. The shed started with only 6 members but the numbers grew by word of mouth to 130 coming from a wide range of backgrounds and ranging in age from late 20s to 90s.
Our official opening was on the 12th December 2012 and we were honoured to have our National Patron Tim Mathieson officiate on the day.
This early stage of the shed was spent fundraising and helping the elderly in the community with small jobs.The members were well supported by the local community, with the-now defunct Masters Home Improvements, Tingalpa, donating a 7 X 4 trailer, which came in very handy.
Receiving our trailer from the ever-helpful Masters staff
In October 2014 Council asked us to leave our site in the old Wynnum Central School so they could carry out renovations, and our numbers dwindled to 60 members at this time. Not having our own venue, the weekly meetings were held at the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club, whose generosity in providing us with a long-term temporary home is gratefully appreciated! Our numbers increased to 80 members with the comradery and support for each other among these men.
2015 was a great year for community involvement, and a lot of fundraising. We were happy to raise funds for the Western QLD Drought Relief Fund, with support from the Golden Crust Bakery in the Manly Mall, which we forwarded to the fund organized by the Charleville Rotary Club. We also made contributions to the Black Dog Foundation. Two of our members played Santa in the Leagues Club and Masters, donating the proceeds to Mater Little Miracles. Our crew built a fence for BABI Youth & Family Service, keeping their kids from wandering into the road, and gave a hand to the Kettle Appeal around Christmas time. We also worked with our sponsors in the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club, renovating their sporting support facilities, and helped the Richlands Bus Depot get some unneeded sheds pulled down.
Sizzling fun at the Manly Markets
Likewise, in 2016 we held 23 Sausage Sizzles, a couple of BBQs, 4 garage sales, and of course, we've met weekly, to enjoy each other's company and pursue our objective: a new home and shed.
On 6th December 2016, Brisbane City Council approved the lease of a parcel of land on the former Bowls Club in Grenada Street, Wynnum North grounds, which we share with our friends and neighbours of the Horizon Foundation. This was possible through the tireless work and dedication of our members, the good offices of the Brisbane City Council, and a lot of help from our friends in elected places: Wynnum Councillor Peter Cumming, State Member for Lytton, Joan Pease, and Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta.
The boys getting to work on our new shed. Come join the fun!’
This development allowed us to start 2017 with great enthusiasm! Project New Home was the Shed's main focus and there was SO much to do.
2017 was a humongous year with a lot of work being done by some of the members who were able to help in the construction of the new complex . Seven years of blood, sweat and tears has finally paid off. The sheds are at the lock up construction stage.
Our men working on stage one of the slab, hard work for old fellows!!
The construction phase is finished , now the fitting out begins, well done to all, it is amazing!
On the 16th of June, 2018 the Wynnum Manly and Districts Men’s Shed was officially opened by Ross Vasta MP Federal Member for Bonner and Joan Pease MP State Member for Lytton.
Attendance at the Wynnum Manly and Districts Men’s Shed for the naming of the Allen May building. August 2018.
In 2022 we celebrated our 10th year anniversary. The highlight was the awarding of four Life Memberships to the founding members; David Westlake, Barry Mair, Ron Haslet and Wayne Holmes.
At the end of our financial year 2023 we were blessed with 230 members and with space for more.
We offer some of the lowest membership fees and our members work tireless to maintain it that way. For an initial Fee of $80 you join and get a Shed shirt with your name embroidered on it. Annual renewal fees are only $50