Article-Kingston Men’s Shed Recognised in Parliament for Keeping Men Connected
Kingborough Chronicle | 18 August 2026: Front Page; pg 9.
Kingston Men’s Shed recognised in Parliament; Recognised for keeping men connected
The contribution of the Kingston Men’s Shed to the local community has been recognised on the floor of Tasmania’s Parliament.
Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb used the Legislative Council’s first sitting day following the winter recess to highlight the work of the local Shed, including its fundraising, community projects and role in keeping men connected.
Kingston Men’s Shed President Paul Chatterton, Treasurer Craig Coventry and Secretary Peter Harrison attended Parliament House to hear the acknowledgement, with Mr Harrison accompanied by his wife Pam.
A particular focus was the Shed’s successful take on the Cancer Council’s annual morning tea fundraiser.
Since holding its first event in 2023, the fundraiser has continued to grow, with the Shed putting its own spin on the traditional morning tea through the slogan, “Don’t bring a plate, bring a mate”.
Ms Webb said the idea reflected something that was already an important part of life at the Kingston Men’s Shed – taking time to stop for a cuppa, have a conversation and connect with others.
“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,” Ms Webb said.
Shed Secretary Peter Harrison said looking after the mental health of members was the Shed’s most important priority, and the simplicity of “Don’t bring a plate, bring a mate” was a big part of its success.
“The members understood that it was their presence – and that of a mate – that was the priority, not the quality of their sponge cakes,” Mr Harrison said.
He said the Shed deliberately wanted to avoid putting pressure on members to provide food for the fundraiser, instead keeping the focus on bringing people together.
Mr Harrison said members did not seek recognition for what they did, but it was pleasing to see the Shed’s contribution acknowledged in Parliament.
“None of the members actively seek notoriety, they just do what needs to be done,” he said.
“Nevertheless, it was great that our Shed, and men’s sheds in general, were recognised for their contribution towards men’s health issues.”
Ms Webb said the simple opportunity for genuine connection could make an important contribution to men’s mental health.
But the Shed’s impact also extends well beyond its own membership.
Over the past four years, members have contributed $2,600 in donations and regularly undertaken community projects, including work for Wildlife Safe Tasmania and local schools.
Ms Webb said highlighting the Kingston Men’s Shed in Parliament was also an opportunity to encourage people across Tasmania to take a closer look at the contribution being made by their own local Men’s Sheds.
“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,” she said.
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Open in new tab You can view a video of Meg delivering her speech in the Legislative Council here.
