Men's Shed Program

Melton & Taylors Hill Men's Sheds

History: This Community Engagement Project with the  Men's Shed began in 2013  aimed at working with Grade five and six boys who have been identified by their primary school as at risk of being disengaged from their schooling. In 2015 a new Men's Shed was established at Taylors Hill under the auspice of the Melton Men's shed and became part of the community project program.

Grade five and six boys from locally selected primary schools in the Melton city council area attend the Melton & Taylors Hill Men's Shed to be mentored by the "Sheddies" in designing and making a toolbox which each student retains.  In 2016 the program operated one afternoon per week at each site  over a 6 week period for each school.

Future Connect (then known as BMLLEN) supported the program through establishing the partnership and providing seeding funding to support the teacher release required in accompanying the boys to the program each week.  The  Men's Shed provides the materials and expertise to work with the boys in making their toolbox at no cost.  At the conclusion of each program the students are presented with their completed toolbox and Certificate of Achievement at a celebratory BBQ lunch held by the  Sheddies.

Since the inception of the Men's Shed program all the Primary schools in the Melton school network have actively participated in the program.  The program has accommodated 126 Grade five and six boys in the Shed's activities over the years.  The commitment and time given by the volunteer sheddies at both locations has been greatly appreciated by the students and schools involved.  Future Connect highly values the partnership with Melton City Council and acknowledges the resources and time they have contributed to making this program a worthy experience for the students involved.