SHED MATES

Noosa Council awarded a grant in 2024 to the Salvation Army to establish ‘Salvos Mates’ to help men’s mental health and wellbeing. Noosa Council has assisted in re-forming the group in 2026 as members of the Noosa Men’s Shed to focus more on community help. 

Mal Price, Noosa Men’s Shed Secretary explained: “We have a new shed. Well, it's not actually a physical shed but the name is just the ‘Mates Shed’. The Noosa Shed Mates had decided there was a need .

Shed Mates coordinator Mike Kavali said “We are delighted to be members of the Noosa Men’s Shed. The Noosa Council and Salvos helped get us off the ground and they continue to work closely with us, referring disadvantaged people and men wishing to become Noosa Men’s Shed Mates volunteers. 

“Our blokes get a buzz in helping disadvantaged people. The resident enjoys chats and jokes with us over a coffee and cake about the things we do. Many are lonely older people and we become their friends. The resident engagement part of it is as important to Men’s Shed Mates and our wellbeing as performing the job itself. 

“Tradies don’t have time to chat for long. We do have the time. People have interesting stories to tell us about their background and families. We also get a good workout in a yard clean up or digging fence post holes.” 

The resident pays for materials and makes a small contribution towards Shed Mates’ operating expenses. Very small jobs are often done at no cost. 

Men Shed Mates objectives are to grow the number of shed members and perform around 70 to 100 home handyman jobs for disadvantaged residents in 2026.