About Us
2021
In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were looking for new hobbies and ways to stay connected with their community. That’s when a group of like-minded individuals in Pascoe Vale came together with an idea to start a Men’s Shed in the area.
However, they quickly realised that there was no Men’s Shed in the immediate area, which made it difficult for men to connect and work on projects together. This realisation only fueled their desire to create a space where men could come together, connect, and work on projects.
The idea quickly gained momentum, and many people in the community expressed interest in donating their tools and machinery to help make the Men’s Shed a reality. With a lot of hard work and dedication, the Coburg and Pascoe Vale Men’s Shed was born.
2022
We spent 2022 getting all of our registrations and plans in place and looking for a shed.
2023
April 2023 the committee agreed to change our membership structure. The new structure will support the things we find important and allow us to grow. It will also future proof us for our plans to become a hub for the general community.
A motion was passed unanimously to agree that membership will be open to all regardless of any diversity a person may have. The shed will operate both inclusive and exclusive shed sessions as determined by the committee on a needs basis. This means that there will still be Men’s Shed Sessions, Women’s Shed Sessions, and any other mix, as well as Community Shed Sessions.
May 2023 marked the agreement between us and Merri-bek council for the use of the gardeners shed at 19 Harding St. A tiny beginning.
November 2023. At the 2023 AGM it was decided to change our name to Merri Community Shed to illustrate our location and inclusive approach to all members of our diverse community. We are proud of our history and grateful to the community for their support in making the Merri Community Shed a reality.
Join us today and become a part of our growing community!
In November 2023 we came to agreement with the Coburg Commons community garden group to come and join us at the Harding St site. Their purpose and ours are aligned well and they will fit well into our activities [and vice versa]
2024
Our year of growth.
Our aims for the year are:
- Grow membership
- Raise funds for shed activities
- Lock in our location at 19 Harding St on a permanent basis
- Engage with other groups for use of the space[s]
Committee Members
The Committee for 2023-2024 comprises of:
- President – Dave Deveny
- Vice President – Damian Nippard
- Secretary – Tim van Rijn
- Treasurer – Francesco Deserio
- Glenn Newman
- James Thomson
- Ross Bousie
- John Muser