Batemans Bay Men's Shed celebrates National Volunteer Week

Volunteers play a significant role in their communities, organising, assisting and offering care and comfort to those around them.

Vice-president of the Batemans Bay Men's Shed Les O'Connell is one such volunteer.

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Les helps welcome members to the shed, makes sure everyone has something to work on and oversees the all important morning tea.

But on other days of the week, Les works to improve the shed so members have more space to grow their skillsets and work on projects.

He applies for grants, sources tools and looks after the operational side of things so that members can continue to enjoy everything the shed has to offer.

We spoke to Les about being a volunteer in Batemans Bay:

How did you get involved with the Men's Shed?

I had a job at home to do with welding but it was going to cost an arm and a leg to hire someone to do it. I've always been handy so I thought I could try it myself.

I found out about the Men's Shed because a couple of other guys I knew had joined, so I brought my project down here to work on it.

I then joined the committee because I could see what had to be done in the shed to improve it and that's what I like to work on now.

What are some of your visions for the shed?

We're in need of funding to install a dust collector right through the building. We'd also love to have a separate metal workshop for people to have a dedicated space.

If we can also organise a double garage, it will mean extra room inside the current workshop for more tables.

What do people work on at the shed?

We've got many different things for lots of interests. There is metal and woodwork inside, people can make fire buckets and pizza ovens out of old gas bottles which we sell online.

We also have a great veggie garden outside some of the men look after.

Why is it important to have the Men's Shed?

It's about men's mental health. It helps people stay communicating and socialising.

For some it's a good opportunity to get away from home for a morning and have their own time with friends. Some of the men are single and don't associate with anyone else during the week.

It's also about learning new skills and helping each other learn.

How can people support the Men's Shed?

Honestly, we need donations to improve the shed and expand. We want this to be a community space for many people to use, that's the most important part.

Even donations of people's time to help us improve the shed would be most welcome.