More room for projects and friendships at the Ross Men's Shed

There is even more room for finishing projects and starting friendships with the official opening of a newly expanded Men’s Shed at Ross on Tuesday.

Rebecca White MP opened the upgraded facility, now known as the Community Shed, which has steadily grown in membership since its launch in 2005 and inclusion in the Tasmanian Men’s Shed Association.

Connecting men in the Midlands for conversation and creativity and providing the opportunity to check in with their mates, it’s also become the site for a She Shed, which will be resurrected later in the year to accommodate around 14 women who also love their crafty pursuits and getting together.

The shed has now doubled in size, it has a new patio with awning, more woodworking equipment and new extraction fans, the kitchen and eating area has been upgraded and new toilets including a disability toilet and shower have been added.

Ross Men’s Shed president Baden Helm also made a beautiful dining table and he reckons the place is good enough to live in.

 “All our members are extremely grateful for the funds that have allowed for the expansion - enabling more members to join and work safely - for our shed community to keep growing,” Mr Helm said. 

“Just one example of the tremendous community cooperation at Ross was a wall installed a few years before the expansion works. This involved collecting all the poplar trees cut down for the Midlands Highway works, building a dehydrator to dry the timber, and installing it as a new wall to give the timber a second life. 

“There is no end to the commitment of our Men’s Shed members when they set their mind to something.”

 The Community Shed is at 9 Bond St, Ross and membership enquiries can be made to Baden on 0409 358 769.