Media Release: Kingston Men’s Shed Connecting Community Achievements Celebrated in State Parliament

Kingston Men’s Shed Connecting Community Achievements Celebrated in State Parliament

13 August 2026

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb utilized the Legislative Council’s first day back following the parliamentary winter recess to formally acknowledge and highlight the ongoing contribution made by the local Kingston Men’s Shed to the local community.

“It was an immense privilege to introduce and celebrate the achievements and contributions of the Kingston Men’s Shed, with a particular focus on the Shed’s highly successful take on the annual Cancer Council Morning Tea – with a Difference,” Ms Webb said.

“Since the Shed held its first Morning Tea fundraiser in 2023, each year since has seen a substantial increase in funds raised, and people involved.

“Significantly it is the twist the Shed has made on its Morning Tea fundraiser which has proved incredible effective, with its catchy slogan, ‘Don’t bring a plate, bring a mate’.

“It is that ethos of stopping for a cuppa each morning the shed is open, and connecting with mates, which continually makes a real difference to a range of local members, and which makes the Kingston Men’s Shed stand out.

“The positive contribution such a low-key no-fuss commitment to forging genuine connection makes to men’s mental health cannot be over-estimated.

“At the same time, the Shed’s works hard to contribute back to the community such as providing donations to other totalling $2, 600 over the last four years, and regularly undertaking community projects for Wildlife Safe Tasmania, local schools and others.

“By highlighting to other MPs in the Parliament how the Kingston Men’s Shed is playing an active and strong role in forging community connection to prioritise men’s mental health, hopefully that will encourage them and others to check out the work of their own local Men’s Sheds around Tasmania,” Ms Webb said.

The Kingston Men’s Shed representatives who attended the Legislative Council for Ms Webb’s speech were President Paul Chatterton, Treasurer Craig Coventry, Secretary Peter Harrison who was also accompanied by his wife Pam Harrison.

You can view Meg delivering her speech in the Legislative Council here.

Attached: copy of speech delivered by Meg Webb MLC, Independent Member for Nelson, Tuesday 11 August 2025.

Photograph of attending Men’s Shed representatives with Meg Webb in Parliament House: Left to Right: Peter Harrison, Secretary, Meg Webb MLC, Paul Chatterton, President, and Craig Coventry, Treasurer, Kingston Men’s Shed – 11 August 2026