VIC:PM's partner shows of shed for men's group

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2010
VIC:PM's partner shows of shed for men's group

MELBOURNE, Dec 12 AAP - The prime minister's bloke has one, so does Jeff Kennett. They're
showing them off online and now they want other Aussie men to show them theirs.

The humble backyard shed has become a tool in the battle to combat male depression.

Now, there's no four walls shutting anyone out.

The Australian Men's Shed Association, beyondblue and the Movember Foundation have
joined forces to launch a new community networking site, The Shed Online, where blokes
can connect with other blokes, make new mates, share skills and seek information on health
and wellbeing.

The forum is an extension of the 400 Men's Shed groups around Australia and aims to
create a virtual community, reaching out to more men, particularly those in rural and
remote areas.

At Monday's launch, beyondblue chairman Jeff Kennett shows off his shed, and Australia's
first man, Tim Mathieson, displays his in the salubrious grounds of Kirribilli House.

Mr Mathieson, a patron of the Australian Men's Shed Association, says he seeks refuge
in his shed when he wants to "escape" the house.

It's a place where he can tune into the cricket, pick up a bat and ball and pretend
he's hitting out for Australia.

"My shed is a temple. It's great for my mental health," he says.

Mr Kennett, a former Victorian premier, says his shed is very important to him and
houses his gardening and carpentry tools.

"Every man needs a shed. But not everyone has one. So, we're building Australia's biggest
shed and it's online. The more men, the bigger the shed," he said in a statement.

"We want to give men who don't have a local Men's Shed the opportunity to be part of
a community, to socialise, make new friends and maybe work on a project together."

The Shed Online features a discussion forum, information on health and wellbeing and
a calendar of upcoming events and activities.

The initiative aims to build on the 30,000 members of Men's Shed groups around Australia.

AAP cmb/gfr/cdh

KEYWORD: SHED

� 2010 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.