Dozer
2 Posts
Tue, 22nd March 2011, 7:20pm - updated - Fri, 24th August 2012, 6:11pm
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Topic: ??????
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Reply:
Darren Maxwell
5 Posts
Tue, 22nd March 2011, 9:48pm
hey Darren
Not sure about your local shed ... but here in the Central Coast Shed Cluster NSW we are taking big strides to incorporate Aboriginal mens groups and shedders in a wide variety of activities. From mentoring programs to yarning circles there is a lot that Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal men can share and learn from each other.
The CC Shed Cluster is not working to divide Australian men we work to unite all men from all backgrounds to be involved in anyway they choose to contribute to the community. There are over 620 members in over 9 Sheds on the coast. Some are well established and some are very new, but each is a reflection of its members desire to be a positive part of their growing community.
If you are inspired to join a shed I encouage you to lead the way, unite us don't seperate us, join your local shed and help us close the gap in indigenous thinking in this country. Bring your specialty to your local shed. Share your experience and stories with other men and invite your friends to come along and share theirs. Create your space, be yourself not your race and you might be surprised what a big difference one person can make to a Community Mens Shed.
Community Mens Sheds are for all men from all backgrounds with a million different stroies to tell...
Great topic Darren and thanks for the chance to have a quick yarn..... in the cyber shed :-)
Darren John maxwell
Reply:
Gary Cooper
670 Posts
Tue, 22nd March 2011, 10:43pm
Darren Maxwell
G'day Darren
I don't want to give the impression I'm a "me too" person, but I will say I agree with your comments on Community Mens' Sheds being simply focussed on and driven by mens' varied needs be it health discussions, DIY or whatever, irrespective of any individual's background or culture.
Even in this e-Shed we have the opportunity of insight into the diversity of backgrounds and issues.
In an advisory group role in community health services I recently attended a training workshop on skills enhancement in better understanding and engaging with our divserse community. I came to a conclusion that I will adopt a simple approach of empathy and mutual respect. Our co-existence is dependent of mutual respect. Likewise, in a practical way, I too encourage Darren A to join or start a local Shed and introduce indigenous culture and topics to the agenda.
As a follower to your message yesterday, Darren, I mention that I took some excerps on Positive Psychology from your home web page to send to members in my worldwide support group for a rare disease. When confronted with a rare disease diganosis, and there's no known cause or cure due to lack of research or any clinical trials, men in particular find it an exceptionally heavy burden. With an incidence of 1:300,000, sufferers are consumed by loneliness. The focus on being positive, proactive and a self advocate for better healthcare is essential. Your approach, Darren, is enlightening, and adaptable even to health support groups.
Gary
(Melbourne)
Reply:
Colleen Moyne
9 Posts
Wed, 23rd March 2011, 12:08am
Don't know where you live Darren, but I know there's an Aboriginal Men's Shed at Dubbo NSW, Bidja Bila Aboriginal Men's Shed in Albury and also the Young Aboriginal Men's Shed at Morwell in Vic
There is also the Zebra Finch Men’s Group at Kura Yerlo in Largs Bay SA.
Don't know if this is any help. I'm sure that most (if not all) Men's Sheds would be more than happy to look at how to encourage Indigenous men to attend. I'm with Willo's Men's Shed in Gawler SA and we are very keen to explore this.
Would love to hear others thoughts on this.
Colleen Moyne
Willo's Men's Shed.
Reply:
Gary Cooper
670 Posts
Wed, 23rd March 2011, 12:36pm
Colleen & Darren A and All e-Shed Men >
Are there any Men's Sheds for Gay Men, Bi-Sexual Men, Indian Men, Chinese Men, Kiwis et al ? White collar, blue collar, corporate, self funded retirees, farmers, unionists, pensioners - are they specifically catered for ?
Maybe I'm off track. I thought Men's Sheds were for men. One in, All in. Socialising, learning and bonding together irrespective of race, colour, creed, old or young, six pack or not, diabetic or not, amputee or not, disabled or not, for richer or poorer.
In this nation we all must all seriously consider adopting an accord to grow together, respect each other, respect the soul of the country and reject programs that divide us.
If you want to debate the topic of "different sheds for different men", jump in and have your say. I know where I stand. Time to stand up.
Gary
Reply:
Dozer
2 Posts
Wed, 23rd March 2011, 1:07pm
Darren M, Gary C, Colleen M, thank you for your comments, what I'm interested in is the participation rates of the Aboriginal men within the areas where men's are established or being established, Once they are engaged do the stay? or do they come back and use the shed on a regular basis? and if not why not? and if they do, what cultural appropriate programs are in place? to achieve there return on a regular basis, are there pathways established to support services indigenous or non-indigenous,? is engagement aimed at all aged males from aboriginal community or just Elders? is there space for community to be included?.
How are other Sheds Dealing with these Issues??
Darren, Gary, Colleen I live in the northern subs of Melbourne, I have been heavily involved with the Banyule Men's Shed Now for the last 3 years, where indigenous culture and topics are on the agenda with the approach of unite us don't separate us approach I have established an aboriginal specific day on the Thursday of each week, where we now have a regular attendance of up to 25 aboriginal Males of all ages attend to yarn, share, celebrate, and use pathways that have been established to indigenous Non-indigenous services. Colleen I definitely look up the sheds you have mention and enquire on the issues I have mentioned.
Thanks for the opportunity to share.
Darren
Reply:
adam grant
51 Posts
Fri, 8th April 2011, 12:17am
darren cant beleve im reading that, im disapointed that you feel you need to be in a aboriginal orientated shed thing. sheds are meant for any bloke, maybe you should introduce some aboriginal theme stuff to your nearest shed in the form of education with the other fellas wether there aboriginal or not. but sounds to me that yuor not after a aboriginal shed but what you need is your own community to have there own gatherings, which was a very important and daily thing part of your culture in the old days and in some isolated reserves today. but those aboriginal orientated things apply to aboriginals and non aboriginals alike, they were created for human beings not just aboriginals, regardless of where they are from. i hate when people have to isolated there culture n religion and seperate themselves from eveyone else. people all over the world are in conflict with eachother coz they are preoccupying themselves with "their own culture and religion" they should stop following those useless things and start working on "humanity and people". if we cant help eachother as fellow human beings lst then no culture or religion can help us further cos why? they have missed the plot when they seperated themselves from other different human beings, serving a culture and a religion. when we should be serving man
Reply:
GaryS
1 Post
Sun, 15th May 2011, 12:47pm
hi Adam, Darren & all,
this reminds me of debates I've heard about "separatist" women's groups. I'd agree that divisions of any kind are in one sense regrettable. We'd all like to hope that they might be unnecessary. But if anyone feels the need, I'd hope they be supported. And then I'd hope that some degree of separateness might be the way forward to a future where it no longer feels necessary.
Reply:
Kel Bun
8 Posts
Sun, 15th May 2011, 4:28pm
Why aren't there any Aboriginal Male Sheds? To answer Darren Atkinson question .And other have replied the Men’s Sheds are for men of all cultures to meet and work together every man is included. As Adam Grant has written and I agree with him for some reason people choose to isolate themselves this sort of feeling must be stopped and I think the Men’s Shed is the place it will stop. For those who seek to separate the cultures please for the good of our country and Men’s Shed leave it alone. Everyone should be proud of their culture and heritage and religion however do not seek to force it onto others
Reply:
Pluggah
165 Posts
Sun, 15th May 2011, 4:33pm
Gday all, I agree with uniting all men, we all or indvidually have the same issues and needs as each other. I'd really enjoy knowing more about others back grounds etc, especially aboriginal art etc.
I grew up with many aboriginal people, school etc that was back in the 60's and 70's, things have changed alot over the years.
I reckon to much is segregated, let's understand each other, we're all Aussies.
Take Care
Reply:
Scottyh
26 Posts
Wed, 7th September 2011, 3:27pm
Would'nt an Aboriginal Shed be racist, as a Gay mens Shed would be sexist. There are Sheds everywhere, and to my knowledge, all are welcome. And hopefully it will stay that way.
ScottyH 
Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill.
Reply:
Ken_67
491 Posts
Wed, 7th September 2011, 3:56pm
The name of the organisation is Men's Shed. Not white Men's Shed; not heterosexual Men's Shed. As long as you are a male, you are welcome.
Reply:
wines65
1,467 Posts
Wed, 7th September 2011, 10:19pm
Darren Atkinson writes
--------------------------------------Why aren't there any Aboriginal Male Sheds? A SAFE place where Males can convene and share stories about the issues that maybe impeding on there culture and life's? there seems to an agreement on the GAP that exists here in AUS, Life Expectancy, Housing Opportunities, Employment Opportunities, Health, Education, No Safe Places for Aboriginal Males, the list go's on
Oh dear me. Another winge about the Shed not having a special Shed just for one group of Australians. Before too long, we will have another winge about why there isn't a Shed just for gays, non-gays, a Shed for women and the list goes on and on.
I have but one suggestion which will probably bring some sniggers from other members who are unfortunate in having to read my messages.
My suggestion is..................."let all the Aboriginals, gays, women, etc who actually want to join a Shed, to go and find a Shed and go and join. No special Shed, no special invite, just like every other member who takes an interest. You will find no doors locked I am sure.
So Darren, instead of winging, why don't you ask all those to whom you were referring, just why don't they go and join a Shed. More members will be welcome I am sure and I won't have to read this rubbish.
Good luck
p.s. you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make the horse drink
wines65ofMargate(Ex Silentio)
Reply:
wines65
1,467 Posts
Wed, 7th September 2011, 10:23pm
Darren Atkinson writes
--------------------------------------Why aren't there any Aboriginal Male Sheds? A SAFE place where Males can convene and share stories about the issues that maybe impeding on there culture and life's? there seems to an agreement on the GAP that exists here in AUS, Life Expectancy, Housing Opportunities, Employment Opportunities, Health, Education, No Safe Places for Aboriginal Males, the list go's on
Oh yes Darren,
One other thing. I forgot to include a Shed especially for "do-gooders". Now that would be a busy Shed wouldn't it?
Robert
wines65ofMargate(Ex Silentio)
Reply:
Gary Cooper
670 Posts
Wed, 7th September 2011, 11:02pm
Regrettably what happens in many instances, a member posts a message on a new Topic and e-Shedders jump in with feedback and personal opinions but end up not getting any further post or clarification from the message initiator.
However, under this Topic "Aboriginal Males Shed ???" the initiator, Darren Atkinson (connected with the Banyule Shed - nthn Melb Metro) did in fact reply on 23 March and clarified that he wasn't actually advocating a shed or sheds specifically for Aboriginals. I accept that and thank Darren A for clarifying his requests and telling us what's happening in his Shed at Banyule.
As I understand it, all that Banyule has done is run a program on a particular day of the week where local Aboriginal men are encouraged to attend and deal with and share discussion on indigenous culture and associated issues. I don't see that "separatist" in any way but simply part of offering a variety of programs and activities with the agreement of the Shed "committee". Perhaps no different to running a special day each month where say a retired GP comes into a shed and talks about men's health issues.
In this General Discussion under the Topic "Situation for Indigenous people in different locations" posted 19 Aug by Jessica, the story was somewhat different where Jessica asked lots of questions that raised more questions in reaction from members, including myself advocating Men's Sheds without any added labels to appease specific groups.
But, unlike Darren Atkinson in this Topic, Jessica went AWOL, and that's not helpful to interaction on ideas and issues, apart from being a bit rude.
I will add that under the Discussion - "What's happening in Men's Sheds?" - there is an avenue for Darren Atkinson and others to ask about various programs running in other sheds. Under that Discussion heading I see that many Sheds post about their activities and progress.
Gary
Reply:
Scottyh
26 Posts
Mon, 3rd October 2011, 4:22pm
"As long as you are a MALE" now you have opened another whole can of worms.
Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill.
Reply:
Rickardo
163 Posts
Mon, 3rd October 2011, 6:45pm
Good Evening all,
Nice to see you on line Colleen, pity there wasnt more ladies on line to share and make input.
Aboriginal mens shed, Certainly an interesting topic but I dont undrstand Why. I grew up with aboriginal families at Lake Cargelligo. a couple of years ago only. (Cane toad man be quiet) those days Aboriginal families had to reside in a place called Murrin Bridge. I used to spend allot of time with these families and I failed to understand even at that tender age the reason for segragation. there was a man there known to me as Jacky one eye I said to him Mr. One eye. He replied "Boy me called jacky what you ask boy. I said Mr Jacky why dont you live where I live or near. Mr Jacky replied, Boy you white me black not allowed.
I said Mr Jacky look my arm me black you black same sun made me black you must be in sun allot.
Aboriginal and white man same this is the 21st century not 18th Aboriginal and white man sit at same fire and share same beer. Good and bad in all races and gender. let us enjoy life and share together.
Take Care all and one.
Richard. ( The Mallee Bull)
Reply:
Rickardo
163 Posts
Mon, 3rd October 2011, 6:51pm
wines65 writes
--------------------------------------Darren Atkinson writes
--------------------------------------Why aren't there any Aboriginal Male Sheds? A SAFE place where Males can convene and share stories about the issues that maybe impeding on there culture and life's? there seems to an agreement on the GAP that exists here in AUS, Life Expectancy, Housing Opportunities, Employment Opportunities, Health, Education, No Safe Places for Aboriginal Males, the list go's on
Oh dear me. Another winge about the Shed not having a special Shed just for one group of Australians. Before too long, we will have another winge about why there isn't a Shed just for gays, non-gays, a Shed for women and the list goes on and on.
I have but one suggestion which will probably bring some sniggers from other members who are unfortunate in having to read my messages.
My suggestion is..................."let all the Aboriginals, gays, women, etc who actually want to join a Shed, to go and find a Shed and go and join. No special Shed, no special invite, just like every other member who takes an interest. You will find no doors locked I am sure.
So Darren, instead of winging, why don't you ask all those to whom you were referring, just why don't they go and join a Shed. More members will be welcome I am sure and I won't have to read this rubbish.
Good luck
p.s. you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make the horse drink.
yeah, especially if it is from a urinating cane toad.
Reply:
Rickardo
163 Posts
Mon, 3rd October 2011, 6:55pm
Ken_67 writes
--------------------------------------The name of the organisation is Men's Shed. Not white Men's Shed; not heterosexual Men's Shed. As long as you are a male, you are welcome.
Good On ya Ken 67 a very good point well said mate, I sometimes wonder are these fellas that want this rubbish aboriginal or wanta bees fraction cast
Reply:
wines65
1,467 Posts
Mon, 3rd October 2011, 9:13pm
hooray, Rickardo is BACK.
Good on yer m8.
Sir Robert
wines65ofMargate(Ex Silentio)
Reply:
Peter Malyon
132 Posts
Tue, 4th October 2011, 10:12am
I agree with Ken 67, we have enough problems with the differences between men and women lets not divide men up into multiple groups.
Peter
Negotiating another of lifes speed bumps
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