Recently arrived Afghan refugees being resettled in Melbourne now have the opportunity to meet people from the broader community and learn some practical skills thanks to a warm welcome from a local Men’s Shed.

The Afghans, who are living in accommodation close to the CBD, have been invited to a join a Men’s Shed established by the locally-based Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and accommodation provider Scape.

Many of the refugees were among thousands airlifted out of Kabul amid dramatic scenes last August following the Taliban’s seizure of power in Afghanistan.

The shed was created to provide an opportunity for patients at the Peter Mac to find relief from the stress of cancer treatment, share their experiences with others and engage in constructive and relaxing activities.

With many of the Afghans living in the same Scape accommodation as Peter Mac patients, they were invited to join the shed.

Shed Coordinator John Howarth said the response had been encouraging after the facility opened at the start of December.

“Although there is an obvious language barrier, we‘ve had lots of the Afghans, especially the boys, showing great interest,” Mr Howarth said.

“We’ve build a work bench and the kids have gotten involved. They are keen to make wooden models of four-wheel-drive vehicles,” he said.

Afghan refugee and four-wheel-drive fan ‘Ahmed’, 11, said he loved visiting the shed.

“Like to go to the shed and help to make things. I want to make a model of a Toyota Land Cruiser,” he said. 

Peter MacCallum Centre Prevention and Wellbeing Project Officer Daisy Cramer said the Men’s Shed was part of the Peter Mac Wellbeing Centre programs focussing on the broader needs of people with cancer.

“We have patients, carers and family members from regional Victoria who are in Melbourne for cancer treatment. They may not have any family or friends in the city, so the shed provides an avenue to connect with people and share their experiences,” Ms Cramer said.

“One man from Castlemaine spent six weeks recovering from throat cancer surgery. He was living nearby but had no family or friends. He was able to come to the shed, meet people and do something constrictive and creative,” she said.

AMES Australia Senior Manager Accommodation Maree Symons said that AMES refugee clients were benefiting from access to the shed through being able to build connections in the community and having something constructive to do.

“One of the key partners of our accommodation provider Scape is Peter Mac and the two opened a Men’s Shed at the base of Atira building which was launched in December,” Ms Symons said.

“This particular Men’s Shed caters for all patients and family in the Parkville hospital precinct, particularly those staying at the Atira due to the need to attend the medical facilities in the area,” she said.

“Scape and Peter Mac approached AMES about the possibility of inviting some Afghan refugee clients staying at the Atira and also about offering the use of the shed.

“A number of our clients and children attended the launch and a Christmas Party at which they had a wonderful time – including having the kids helping with decorating of the Christmas tree,” Ms Symons said.

“It was very generous of Scape and Peter Mac to offer access to the shed and it demonstrates another great stemming from our partnership with Scape,’ she said.

Peter Mac Men’s Shed was created out of a need to engage men and share their experiences but it’s open to anyone.

The Men’s Shed was initiated by Geraldine McDonald, Peter Mac’s Director of Prevention and Wellbeing, and the Committee for Melbourne’s ‘Future Focus Group Program’, which aims to promote the development of emerging leaders into skilled, committed and connected civic leaders who have an enduring positive impact on Melbourne.