The  Sunnybank RSL Sub Branch made the initial attempt to start a Men’s Shed in Sunnybank

in 2007/8.  The challenge of finding a home for a shed led to the idea being put on hold when the

estimated cost became prohibitive.

The Sunnybank Uniting Church heard about the attempt and, seeing it as a way to contribute

to the health and wellbeing of men in our community, offered the use an old bus shed.  At a public

meeting in 2012, a new committee was formed and new life was injected into the dream of a Men’s

Shed in the Sunnybank area.

 The Shed is operating five mornings each week with 25 to 35 men attending, has a membership now

over 100 and many projects in the pipeline.  The combined support of the RSL Sub Branch and the

Sunnybank Uniting Church gives a solid base for the members.

  2016 was a big year for us with a second shed and a large covered area

between the sheds.  We thank the Queensland Community Benefits Fund and Brisbane City Council

for their support with these major developments.

A Federal Government grant enabled us to equip the Shed with modern professional woodworking

equipment and a grant from The Department of Veterans Affairs provided a superb dust extraction

system for the woodworking.  In 2017 we developed a new covered area for morning tea for our

growing membership and in 2018 a new office, kitchen and landscaping with the support of the

Community Benefits Fund and Brisbane City Council.  Solar power was planned for 2019. In addition

to woodworking we now offer metal and leather work and wood burning.

With the help of The Edge at the Queensland State Library, set up a computer

room and are running courses to teach members how to maintain their computers. Other classes on

things like web browsing and the use of email will follow.

An exciting new activity for us is the formation of a Shed Music Group in September 2018.

The musicians get together on two Saturday mornings each month for a jam session. We now have a

band called “Splinter”.

Our local Council, State, and Federal politicians support the shed.  Their assistance is greatly

appreciated.

The future looks good for the Sunnybank District Community Men’s Shed Inc.