That’s not the case for members of the Laurieton Men’s Shed, if anything they’re busier than when they had full time jobs. 

Treasurer John Denyer has been a member for seven years and was recently nominated for a NSW Volunteer Award by his peers, for his work with the organisation. 

Before he retired, John worked at the Australian Mint in Canberra as production manager. He jokes he used to ‘make’ $80,000 a day. 

He finds his work as treasurer satisfying and he takes pleasure out of giving back to the community. 

A lot of the members of the Men’s Shed have come from jobs in trades and manufacture. 

“We worked with men mostly and I think that’s why coming to the Men’s Shed is so important for a lot of blokes,” vice president Richard Curry said. 

Richard said it’s important for men and women to have their own hobbies when they retire, to give each other space. 

Read more: Men’s Shed lunch for Laurieton Lakeside Nursing Home residents 

“Most of their lives are spent working, so when they retire they spend a lot more time together, but it’s important to have separate interest,” he said. 

“The Men’s Shed is a place where men can feel comfortable and connect with others.” 

Richard and John said a lot of the men talk about physical or mental health issues, they feel they can’t talk about with their wives or partners. 

John said there is something for everyone at the Men’s Shed. 

People participate in activities including the choir, metal work and woodwork.

There are other people who might prefer to sit and quietly put together a puzzle or listen to music. 

“It’s their choice as to what they want to do,” John said. 

In August the members hosted a Father’s Day luncheon at the location. 

Richard said the Men’s Shed would also like to host high school students, to teach them the basics on car maintenance. 

The members have highlighted a barrier which prevents older people from visiting the Men’s Shed. 

“There’s no bus service out this way and it makes it difficult for people who can no longer drive to get here,” Richard said. 

“It would also benefit older residents of the caravan park and school students.”