Building Healthy Communities – Insights from the AMSA Annual Gathering

Members of the Maitland Community Men’s Shed recently travelled north, swapping the cool Hunter air for the warmth of Queensland, to attend the 11th Annual Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) Gathering in Brisbane.

The journey itself provided a light-hearted reminder of the importance of teamwork and support in everyday life. Without their usual “home base support crew,” the travelling representatives quickly discovered just how much they rely on the quiet organisation and coordination that happens behind the scenes. Navigating flights, accommodation details, and directions became an adventure in itself, one that no doubt provided a few laughs along the way.

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A Big Gathering with a Big Purpose

The conference brought together more than 160 men from across Australia, along with international delegates from Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The event was held at a conference centre opposite the beautiful Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.

As part of the program, attendees visited a range of Men’s Sheds in and around Brisbane. These visits offered valuable insight into the diversity, creativity, and innovation happening across the Men’s Shed movement.

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Activities Observed

The sheds visited showcased a wide variety of activities, highlighting what is possible within a Men’s Shed environment. These included: Beekeeping, woodturning, laser engraving, music groups, blacksmithing, karaoke, egg farming, glass sculpture, art groups and, of course, the familiar fixing, tinkering, and woodworking that are at the heart of most sheds. These experiences provided plenty of inspiration and ideas that could be explored locally.

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What We Learned from Other Sheds

Each shed visited was at a different stage of its journey. Some were growing rapidly, others were consolidating, while a few were adapting to challenges or reinventing themselves. Despite these differences, common themes emerged across all sheds:

Strong leadership, positive and inclusive culture, good governance, focus on wellbeing, community connection, inclusion and long-term sustainability.

These are areas the Maitland Community Men’s Shed will continue to explore through toolbox meetings and workshops throughout 2026.

One of the most striking observations was how much all sheds have in common. Every shed offered a welcoming and respectful environment, a place where men can find purpose, enjoy mateship, and share a simple cuppa, a biscuit, and a conversation.

Men’s Sheds continue to demonstrate a unique ability to respond to the needs of men in ways that many other services cannot.

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Why Sheds Matter More Than Ever

The importance of Men’s Sheds was reinforced during the conference, particularly in light of growing global concerns around social isolation. The World Health Organization has identified loneliness as an increasing worldwide issue, with men among those most affected.

Guest speaker Dan Repacholi, Federal Member for the Hunter and Special Envoy for Men’s Health, addressed the gathering and spoke about the challenges many men face as they age, especially after 65, when some feel they are no longer valued or needed in society.

He highlighted several sobering realities:

Men often undertake the hardest and most physically demanding jobs

Men have a shorter life expectancy

Men are more prone to addiction

Men are at higher risk of suicide

Men are more likely to be victims of violence

98% of Australian prisoners are male

Too many men suffer in silence

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Moving Forward

The AMSA Gathering reinforced the vital role that Men’s Sheds play in building healthy communities. It also provided valuable ideas and renewed motivation to continue strengthening the Maitland Community Men’s Shed as a place of connection, support, and purpose.

The insights gained will help guide future activities and initiatives, ensuring the shed continues to meet the needs of its members and the wider community.