Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns opens new facility to extend the Donnybrook Men’s Shed

The Donnybrook Men’s Shed has a new shed, expanding its capacity to bring people together and improve men’s mental health. The new facility will help the group store and maintain its growing inventory of equipment at its Egan Park base. Long-time club member Geoff Box said the group had outgrown its space. “We get donated equipment and people have been very, very generous to us,” he said. “We have 65 members and there will be about 35 blokes here, so you need to find space for them and work for them. “They all work together, it’s fantastic — they come from all different walks of life.” Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns was on hand to open the new shed on Saturday but instead of a traditional ribbon cutting, Ms Hanns sawed through a piece of timber to celebrate the new extension. Mr Box said the group had a focus on bringing people together in a welcome environment. “We are continuously working for the public and it keeps the guys occupied,” he said. “But the main thing here for me is mental health — guys communicating with other guys. “The meet new people and learn new skills.”