Don’s party will salute a kind bequest

A generous donation to the Albany MenShed by the late Don Brandenberg will help ensure there is always a safe place for men to go to keep mind and body busy.

Opening today, Don’s Shed has been built using the $120,000 bequest, making the facility even better for local men.

Presently there are 151 men who attend the shed, spending time creating things for the community, socialising, and looking after their mental health.

Mr Brandenberg was the proprietor of Bennett Batteries and when he died, he left money in his will with the direction that it be used to keep men in their homes longer. That was when a board member at Bennett Batteries contacted the MenShed.

Committee member Mike Taylor said the group only had one shed before the new addition and it had reached its full capacity.

“We had several guys who were fitters and turners by trade in the metalwork industry so we were able to put this shed up ourselves,” he said.

“Don was involved with a lot of men through the battery store and with the way that men’s health is a big issue, both physically and mentally, the MenShed has been the perfect fit to help men.

“We will have a big sign on the shed to honour Don’s donation and we look forward to having the family here for the opening.”

Albany MenShed president Gary Duncan said the shed gave men a place to go and something to do at a point in their lives when they may feel like they were becoming useless.

“A lot of the men retire and find themselves wondering what they can do with their life,” he said.

“This helps them feel useful again and it also helps people in the community.”

The official opening of Don’s Shed will be held at 11am today.

Finger food and light refreshments will be available at the function to mark the event.