Heritage in woodwork

Albany MenShed members are crafting plaques using timber from the old Albany Deepwater Jetty.

Working closely with Southern Ports, the plaques will be given to visiting ships at the port.

The Albany MenShed’s newest project came about when Jared Pietrala from the Southern Ports maintenence team approached them with the idea.

Gary Duncan is a member of the group and said the project was a win-win situation.

“It is projects like this one from the Southern Ports that help keep things moving in the MenShed, as the payment will help to provide more materials for further projects,” he said.

“To be able to collaborate with the Southern Ports is great because it helps us get our name into the community and have the chance to recycle the timber from the old jetty.”

Mr Duncan said the men met with the Southern Ports in June to discuss the project.

“The timber was delivered soon after.

“Hopefully this will be an ongoing collaboration as more plaques are needed.”

The eager locals have access to a top-of-the-range facility, where they can socialise, take part in wood or metal work and simply have a cup of tea and a yarn.

Mr Duncan said one of their key focuses was on mental health and that these projects were a step in the right direction.

“They get the feeling of being useful members of society, helping others and learning new skills are things that help with overall mental and physical wellbeing.”

Mr Pietrala shares the same passion advocating for men’s health, and is an avid supporter of Act Belong Commit and RUOK day.

Southern Ports has a similar project under way in Bunbury.

The MenShed is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 3pm, and anyone is welcome to have a look around and have a chat.

The MenShed is open to men and women.