Media Release

Babinda’s Men’s Shed at the showground’s Kruckow Pavilion will be officially opened by Member for Kennedy the Hon Bob Katter at 2pm on Saturday.

Chair of Babinda Men’s Shed Jim Hillard said the facility is aimed at maintaining the physical, mental, social and spiritual health of men in the region.

"Babinda is a tight knit community that has suffered hardship after enduring two major cyclones in the last six years as well as the closure of the sugar mill last year," he said.

"The need for a Men’s Shed is even more relevant now as we slowly rebuild our community after these adverse events is in process."

"The Babinda Men’s Shed is a place for men to learn how to make a chair or hang a painting or talk about how to run the country. They can relax without worrying about slipping in the odd naughty word or two – they can be completely relaxed to be men." Mr Katter said.

Mr Hillard said the open day is a fantastic opportunity for other men in the community to get involved and bring their skills and ideas to the group.

"Many local men are using the shed since its inception earlier this year," he said.

"The group is also building relationships within the community. One of our projects is helping Babinda Harvest Festival Committee by building a throne for the festival queen.

"And we are building relationships with the business community which has enabled us, through sponsorship from Babinda Bendigo Community Bank, to purchase a Torque Workstation which will be unveiled on the opening day," Mr Hillard said.

The opening day display will include tips and advice on how to establish a hydroponic garden, how to make an inkle loom and biochar ovens.

The Babinda Men’s Shed is currently open two days a week, Monday and Fridays from 10am to 3pm.