The instrument was implemented in an outdoor space at the aged care home, where residents will have the opportunity to play tunes on a daily basis. 

Laurieton Lakeside staff member Cassie Greentree said she was so grateful to the Men’s Shed Laurieton for the kind donation. 

Cassie said the centre did research into how music helps alleviate anxiety related to ageing. 

“We looked at purchasing some outdoor musical instruments but the cost was enormous,” she said. 

“We contacted members at the Men’s Shed and they were so willing to help us out.” 

Laurieton Men’s Shed members were instrumental in bringing the xylophone creation together. 

Robert Scott helped to engineer the design and former music professor Laurie Orchard gave the instrument the fine tuning it needed, to be put into practice. 

“When Robert sent me a video of the first test, I noticed the second last note was actually a B flat,” Laurie said. 

Robert had to trim back the piece of pipe to ensure it would ring a clear ‘B’ note. 

Laurie said the range of the instrument extends to an octave plus six notes. 

Robert sourced recyclable material to piece together the instrument. The ends of the mallets were found from the inside of golf balls and bouncy balls. 

Cassie said the centre was so grateful for the support provided by Men’s Shed members. 

“They were so accommodating to all the factors we had to take into account.

“These included rounded edges for safety, colour coding the notes and the appropriate height level so people wheelchairs could access it.”

Robert and Laurie collaborated for about six weeks to bring the instrument together. 

“It was a lot to do with trial and error,” Robert said. 

Laurieton Lakeside is installing a plaque at the centre to acknowledge the Men’s Shed members for all their hard work. 

“It wouldn’t have happened without the passion of these men,” Cassie said.