By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
After six years of searching, the Upwey Mens Shed (UMS) has officially secured a permanent home at the former Upwey Anglers Club Building.
The group, which provides local men with a place to gather, work on projects, and foster social connections, has spent six years moving between temporary locations – now, thanks to a successful proposal to Yarra Ranges Council, UMS has a place to call its own.
UMS President Roger Bailey shared his excitement at the new chapter for the group.
“This new site gives us a permanent base we can finally call home,“ Mr Bailey said.
“We’ve been searching for a suitable location since we were incorporated in 2018, and after six years, we’re thrilled to have found a space that meets our needs.“
The Upwey Mens Shed has long been a valuable part of the local community, offering activities that help combat isolation, build friendships, and provide a place for men to share skills and experiences. Despite this, the group has faced challenges in finding a permanent home, with previous efforts to secure a site falling through.
“Our members have been really patient,“ Mr Bailey said.
“Before, we were a subtenant at the Upwey Town Hall, which was fine for meetings, but we didn’t have the space to run workshops or use tools for our projects – now, with a dedicated building, we can finally start hands-on work.“
The new base, located behind the Upwey shops and next to parkland, offers plenty of space for activities such as woodworking, small repairs, and future projects in metalworking and crafts.
The group has a container full of tools and equipment, generously donated over the years, which can now be put to use.
UMS currently has around 30 active members, and many are eager to begin refurbishing the building to meet their needs.
Mr Bailey said with the new facility, the group aims to expand its programs and activities, offering a wider range of projects and increasing the social support offered to members.
“We want to create a space where men can socialise, learn new skills, and share their knowledge,“ he said.
“Our goal is to help men feel part of something and build meaningful connections through hands-on activities. We’re also keen to attract new members, especially as we plan for future growth.“
The Men’s Shed has always been a hub for community support, helping with local initiatives such as repairing bikes, assisting small businesses, and supporting schools with various projects.
Mr Bailey hopes the new site will allow them to increase their involvement in the community.
“We’re now in a central location with greater visibility, and we plan to expand our presence in Upwey,“ he said.
“We’ll be hosting more workshops and getting more involved in local projects.“
While the Men’s Shed has traditionally focused on providing a space for men, Mr Bailey said the possibility of future inclusivity, including workshops and activities open to women.
“We’re considering expanding our offerings, potentially allowing women to participate in DIY workshops or become associate members,“ he said.
The group is also hoping the new space will help them grow their membership base, which has declined over the years due to the lack of a permanent facility.
“Having a dedicated place to operate will allow us to offer more activities, including evening and weekend sessions,“ he said.
The Upwey Men’s Shed would like to thank Yarra Ranges Council for their support throughout the process.
“The council’s property and leasing team were instrumental in helping us secure this building,“ Mr Bailey said.
“We’re very grateful for their assistance.“
With a permanent home now secured, the Upwey Mens Shed is looking forward to the future and invites all local men to come along and get involved.
For more information or to join, contact Mark McGuire, UMS Secretary, on 0418 132 443 or email upweymensshed01@gmail.com
