The Sustainable Development of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Men’s Sheds in Australia

Abstract

This study explores the sustainable development of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Men's Sheds in Australia. The phenomenal growth of Sheds now represents one of the largest men's social, health and well-being community organisations in the country. We use a multi-level case study approach to investigate ten Men's Groups and Sheds. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with two Men's Shed Association officials, ten Men's Group/Shed Leaders/Co-ordinators, and ten focus groups with a total of 80 members. Five main themes emerged: the importance of sustainable development and funding to support Men's Groups/Sheds; capacity building to maintain sustainable practices; men's well-being and access to healthcare services; the potential impact upon member participation; and resistance to bureaucracy and formalised management practices. We discuss the urgent need for Shed Leaders/Co-ordinators and Associations to develop guidelines for sustainable development and practices within the Sheds. We also highlight the implications of poor practices for Shed growth, and member participation and their well-being. This study may be of interest to many countries around the world.