Jurien Bay Mens Shed

Located two hours North of Perth, WA.

History of JBCMS

Jurien Bay Community Men’s Shed commenced on the 3rd September 2012. The Shed evolved because of a meeting of like-minded individuals who saw a need for a ‘men’s meeting place’. In the management function room of the Jurien Bay Sport and Recreation Centre the first Executive Committee was convened. A potential meeting site, a privately owned shed, located on a light industrial block and adjacent to the business district, was invested. Mr. Glenn Featherby, owner of the site, agreed to provide access and use of the shed free of charge. With this generous support JBCMS became established, allowing the acquisition of tools, equipment and materials along with an expanding member base. The inaugural Executive Committee and founding members names are inscribed on a plaque at the entrance to the current JBCMS site. Initial funding for JBCMS was made through a grant application to the Western Australian Men’s Shed Association (WAMSA). Further funds were raised via a Calendar sale (remnants of which are still hung out), projects conducted for NACC, Jurien Bay Progress Association and Shire of Dandaragan. Other projects and activities, such as an October Fest, resulted in donations to the Shed or were part of the fund raising. JBCMS built and installed a few colourful beachside change rooms, reminiscent of English “Bathing at the Seaside”. These change rooms once fronted the local swimming beach but have been removed and been privately purchased. The first substantial Community project involved construction of concrete Reef Balls. These were installed onto the ocean bed to create an artificial snorkel and dive trail. This project has now morphed into the ‘Rest in Reef’ project where a deceased’s ashes are interred into the reef ball structure. (Note: Further information relating to this service is available via contact with jbaymensshed@outlook.com ). JBCMS finally moved from this original as the owners required it to sell. The next move found the JBCMS in limbo, having a meeting area but no work space and all assets in storage. The Men’s Shed finally moved to its current permanent site adjacent to the Town Oval at 3 Bashford Street, Jurien Bay. This site devolved through a culmination of funding, grants, negotiations and perseverance by various members and specifically a great deal of work by Rob Shanhun. The land is leased from the Shire of Dandaragan, with the lease recently being extended so allowing for future expansion and development. It is to be noted that JBCMS site is not dependent on external scheme water or electrical power as the shed is fully offline.

SUMMING UP

Members of the JBCMS come from all walks of life inclusive of fishers, farmers, business owners, professional backgrounds, self employed and trades. The bond that unites is that they are men with time to share and who aspire to do something meaningful. JBCMS has developed a safe, cohesive, inclusive and caring environment where ‘shedders’ are welcome. Many work on community projects, specific Men’s Shed projects, their own projects, projects for other members and fund-raising activities. The only “musts” are to observe safe working practices and operate within the spirit of mateship and inclusivity.