The Australian Men's Shed Association was established in 2007 as a place for men to meet others in their community, work on projects to keep their hands and minds busy and to share information within the community.

Sheds later opened in numerous locations in the Riverina, including Wagga, Uranquinty, Junee, The Rock, Coolamon, Henty, Lockhart, Gundagai, Culcairn, Narrandera, Tumbarumba, Temora, Tumut and Cootamundra.

In more recent years, a Women's Shed has opened in Wagga and is one of the fastest-growing of its kind in the state.

The benefits of these sheds for members is unparalleled - a sense of purpose, a project to work on, other people to talk to and share stories with.

It's all fundamental towards fostering good mental health and a sense of community.

But let's take into account this tidbit - the members of these sheds are actually super talented.

What they produce has predominantly been for leisure, as a way to pass the time, bond with their mates or focus on something outside of the home. 

But residents in the community are recognising the members of the Men's Shed and Women's Shed are untapped resources and commissioning them for projects.

Staff at Kapooka Early Childhood Centre approached the Men's Shed to make a cubby house.

They realised they could deliver an authentic, natural play environment for the children and five members were happy to oblige.

Completing a project brings a sense of pride but imagine how proud these members would feel once they see the smiling faces of the children enjoying the fruits of their labour.

Finishing work for other schools or community groups truly embodies what the Men's Shed is about and it's so humbling to see that residents are embracing the generosity and talents of these members.