Building skills, confidence, and community Langwarrin Men’s Shed
Published on 10 June 2026
Most days at the Langwarrin Men’s Shed begin with the sound of tools starting up and members drifting into their projects. On the surface it looks like a busy workshop, but for many of the people who come through the doors, it’s a place where they can be themselves, learn something new, spend time with others, and feel like part of a special community.
Glenn has been coming to the shed for around four years. After an accident left him with an acquired brain injury and in a wheelchair, he began attending with his disability support worker, Carol, and has continued to attend with his next support worker, Bernie.
At first, Glenn naturally headed toward the woodworking area. He’d been a carpenter before his injury, and the familiarly of a workshop and the rhythm of building work drew him in. But Bernie noticed that Glen still needed quite a bit of hands‑on support for woodworking, and he hoped to help him find something he could enjoy more independently.
One day, the shed’s secretary and artist Michael Ryan, noticed that Glen enjoyed painting his wood pieces. Michael asked Glenn if he’d like to try painting. Glenn agreed, and something shifted. Since then, he’s developed a real interest in it, creating both landscapes and abstract pieces during his weekly sessions.
“It’s been really terrific for him,” Bernie said.
“He loves it, and I can see him really thinking about what he wants to paint before he gets started.”
Stories like Glenn’s are common at the men’s shed. People arrive for different reasons—some for skills, some for routine, some simply for company—but many find more than they expected. Bernie has seen the shed’s impact on many members.
“Someone said to me that he didn’t know if he’d still be here without this place,” he said.
“It’s a real community where people look out for one another. They take everyone’s welfare seriously — not just through the activities, but in the way they welcome people and take an interest.”
Glenn enjoys being around the kind of environment he once worked in—tools, banter, and the steady pace of men building and making things together. After each session, he looks forward to a cuppa and biscuit in the tearoom with Bernie, another support worker, and her client.
The challenge, Bernie says, is navigating the shed’s busy layout. Glenn uses a wheelchair, and with equipment, tools and large community projects being built, it can be tight and difficult to move around at times. This is one of the reasons he and others strongly support the shed’s proposed expansion, which would make the space more accessible for everyone.
Michael’s connection to the shed began in a very different way. He moved to the area from Winchelsea about two years ago. He once had a large workshop of his own but had to sell his tools when he relocated. Missing the chance to make things and work with his hands, he joined the Men’s Shed. Now he’s not only one of its most active members but also teaches art and will soon lead monthly cooking demonstrations where members can learn to make nutritious meals.
“It’s given me a new lease on life!” Michael said.
With more than 93 financial members, (175 on the data base), the Langwarrin Men’s Shed is a busy place. Activities range from art sessions to woodworking, IT help, community repair jobs, monthly sausage sizzles, and regular guest speakers on men’s health and safety. There are also “Women in Workshops” sessions and a mix of tools and equipment on site—including a 3D printer. The shed operates weekdays from 9am to 1pm, and while members “make it work,” Michael says the space is often hectic, tight and noisy.
The proposed expansion, enclosing the concrete pad alongside the shed, would ease the pressure and allow programs and equipment to spread out more safely and offer space for more community members to enjoy all that the Langwarrin Men’s Shed offers.
The total cost of the expansion is estimated at $400,000. Council has committed $200,000 and is seeking matched funding from the State Government to bring the project to life.
Ahead of the State Election, reach out to your Hastings candidates and asking them to put the Langwarrin Men’s Shed and Frankston City first
Find out more: Frankston City First - Frankston City Council.