The Forbes Mens Shed is putting out a call for new members to come along and join them. Have you ever considered joining? Or wondered what they do? If so, then do not hesitate a moment longer, head along and say hi.

Men’s sheds, or community sheds, are non-profit local organisations that provide a space for craftwork and social interaction. The movement originated in Australia around the 1980s as a way to improve the health and wellbeing of older men. There are over 900 located across Australia, with thousands of active members.

The Forbes Mens Shed are expanding and welcome anyone, regardless of age. Jim Walklate is the new president of the organisation and is hoping to get some new, younger members interested in joining. 

The Forbes Men’s Shed are looking to recruit new members that range from 12 years of age up to retirement age. “It is important to let everyone know that as a club most of us have obtained our Working With Childrens Checks so that we are able to have young men come and join us,” said Jim.

Norm Haley is the current secretary for the Forbes Men’s Shed, recently stepping down having served as president for 12 years. 

A focus on men’s health and wellbeing is the foundation for the formation of the Men’s Shed organisation. “A lot of men suffer from mental health issues and they won’t talk to their wives or their families, but yet they will talk to a mate and open up,” said Norm. 

Jim and Norm invite you to come along to the Forbes Men’s Shed if you have a trade or some expertise to share. If you want to learn, then come along there will be someone happy to take you under their wing. One of Norms favorite sayings is: “We can all still learn.” 

Forbes Men’s Shed are grateful for the community support they have received over the years, recounting a story about a local farmer who sold his property and then donated $125,000 to the Forbes Men’s Shed for the purchase of the land in Union St. They broke ground to begin building on the site on 6th May, 2018. 

The Forbes Men’s Shed is located in Union St. The cream coloured shed with a green fence and large sign reading ‘Forbes Community Menshed’ is hard to miss. The shed is open from 9am to 1pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call in and check it out, and you’ll be sure to make some new mates while you’re there.

Nine preschools across New South Wales, including Forbes Preschool, will take part in a new study providing free health and development tests for children before they start school.

The state-wide program is an Australian first, with checks assessing hearing, vision, physical and cognitive development, social and emotional development,communication and skills.

The study will help inform the state-wide rollout of the program and will include different types of tests in different locations.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government was leading the nation with a $15.9 billion investment in early childhood commitments including health and development checks for children in preschools.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the study will run from late November 2022 until February 2023.Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the program aims to give more families the support they need if it is discovered their child is not on track to meet key milestones.

“A child’s health and development plays an important part in their school journey and these checks will identify issues early so that action plans and support measures can be put in place early,” said Mr Hazzard.