Business is booming at the Beautification Trust’s Manurewa Boomer Shed, where last month’s bustling open day welcomed a wave of new members and volunteers
Set up in 2015 by former Trust General Manager Graham Bakker as a collaborative workshop, the project soon evolved into the Boomer Shed – a place for people aged 50+ to learn new skills, make friends, work with their hands and give back to the community
Inspired by the Australian Men’s Shed movement – originally a space for men to woodwork and talk about wellbeing – the Boomer Shed charted its own course, says Boomer Shed Manager Stacey Upjohn.
“Our shed welcomes both men and women, and the focus is on giving back to the community. Members create projects that support local schools, kindergartens, community organisations and more.”
The Boomer Shed has almost 60 members and is open from 9am to 12pm Monday to Friday. Volunteers spend, on average, about 70 per cent of their time working on community projects, and the remainder on personal projects.
Last year, members of the Boomer Shed created a sensory mural for The Blind and Low Vision Education Network NZ (BLENNZ) School in Homai. The tactile artwork, designed to meet the needs of tamariki who are blind or have low vision, was installed in the school’s playground.
Another fun initiative was building three balance bikes from repurposed pram wheels gifted to a local kindergarten.
The group also made wooden orange dolls to support Zonta’s global campaign for women’s rights and to end violence
The impact of the Boomer Shed is felt within the community and among its members, Stacey says.
“Community organisations often have limited budgets to bring their ideas to life. By partnering with the Boomer Shed, they gain affordable access to skilled volunteers who can turn those ideas into reality.
“At the same time, members of the Boomer Shed experience their own wellbeing benefits. Working alongside others, learning new skills and giving back create purpose, social connection and pride. For many, it has been life changing.
“The Boomer Shed doesn’t just build things; it also builds stronger people and stronger communities.”
Wiri Licensing Trust was delighted to support the recent open day, providing Woodside Restaurant and Bar vouchers as lucky dip prizes for new members.
Stacey says the Boomer Shed would welcome more new members – anyone interested can visit the website to find out more or complete the membership form.
Community groups can contact the Boomer Shed Manager with special requests, and project ideas can be submitted through the online form.
