Current and past members of the Victor Harbor Men’s Shed downed tools just long enough to launch their official history at a ceremony in their headquarters last Friday 11 April.

Men’s Shed representatives from around the southern region joined in the celebrations, along with leaders from supporting organisations including Adare Church, Victor Harbor Rotary Club and City of Victor Harbor.

The history was compiled by Victor Harbor Men’s Shed member Peter Zanker, who spent the best part of two years interviewing people, chasing down maps and plans, compiling photographs and any other information he could find for this historical reference.

Peter says that while the group has been around in its most current form since 2011, the concept took hold much earlier.

“From humble beginnings in the early 1970s when a group of women from the Adare Uniting Church were meeting for handcrafting and noticed the growing number of men who had lost partners or found themselves in caring roles or feeling lost after retirement. 

“Some of these women suggested the men find a meeting place of their own to support each other, keep busy and pass on skills.

“Adare Church approached the Victor Harbor Encounter Centre about using the workshop and machines no longer used by the local TAFE college. And the rest is history.”  

Peter says sometimes there were gaps in the story, “I would wonder what was missing, but then a few more questions, a bit more research and some more talking to members and we always filled the gap. 

“Of course, history never ends and so we will need to continue to record what we do as time goes on.”    

Victor Harbor Men’s Shed President Darryl Keane says that when he hears that health professionals are recommending patients spend time at the shed, he is reassured about how worthwhile all their efforts have been over the years.

“It is not even about the machinery in the workshop because we are so much more than just a shed. Our members have made it so much more. We are a home. We are a place to talk. We offer a good wholesome feed.”

Finniss MP David Basham MP was pleased to attend the launch and says the Victor Harbor Men’s Shed plays an essential role in the community.

“You offer camaraderie, wellbeing support, teamwork, a sense of belonging and community and a place for learning, maintaining and refining hands-on skills.

“Members have told me how important the Men’s Shed has been in their lives and the sense of family and belonging it provides them.”

The Victor Harbor Men’s Shed is located in a purpose-built shed on Martha Close, off Crozier Road in Victor Harbor; a copy of the history is available in the Victor Harbor Library.