Open for vets

By Kath Gannaway
THE Men’s Shed in Warburton is opening its doors on Thursday to war veterans.
Since the beginning of this year, the Men’s Shed Program at the Warburton Incubator has provided a place for men to catch up around the workbenches.
The project is run by Upper Yarra Community House as part of its Community Living Program.
Some of the activities in the shed include making bush furniture, restoring household items such as tables and chairs, and working with the recent Life-Long Learning Festival.
Program coordinator Kath Holton said the program was now ready to expand and was reaching out in particular to returned servicemen.
She said while the shed brings men together to do what they love doing – working in their sheds – it is also a place where they can get information about men’s health issues and reconnect back into the community.
“It addresses social isolation and helps enhance self-worth as people are able to share their skills and knowledge and help each other along the way,” Ms Holton said.
“With the vets, we are hoping to make contact with some of the returned servicemen in the Upper Yarra area who may be disenchanted with the RSL and the community after negative experiences.”
Members of the Vietnam Veterans Support Group will be riding up from Boronia for the day and Men’s Shed leaders Jed Mahoney and Charles Johnson will be on board to make sure the barbecue is fired up and talk about what the Men’s Shed has to offer.
Ms Holton said the project had the support of Warburton, Upper Yarra and Healesville RSL sub branches and that the ultimate aim was to set up a vets’ group at the shed one day a week.
The Men’s Shed Vets’ Day is at the Warburton Business Incubator (opposite the caravan park) starting at 10am on Thursday, 7 June.
Phone 5962 1033 for further information.