A community workshop in Bright, and part of a national movement of Men's Sheds.
The bigger picture
There are more than 600 Men's Sheds across Australia, with more starting up around the world. They're relaxed, hands-on places that support men's health, friendship and a sense of purpose. The idea behind them is a simple one: men often won't talk face to face, but they'll happily talk shoulder to shoulder over a workbench.
Ours has been doing exactly that in Bright since 2009. No experience needed, and nobody's keeping score. If you can hold a cuppa, you'll fit right in.
What we're about
A safe and supportive place for learning, teaching and fellowship, and for the mental, physical and emotional health of all of us. Just about everything we do comes down to three things, and we try to keep them in balance.
Your own projects, at your own pace. Pick up a skill, finish that job you've been putting off, or just enjoy making something with your hands.
Keeping the doors open and the kettle on. Working bees and shared upkeep, sure — but just as much the mateship: a cuppa, a yarn, a few jokes, lending a hand and looking out for one another. Don't just come in to work on your own stuff.
Giving back to Bright and the valleys. Builds for the school, repairs for neighbours, and a stall at the market. Our work doesn't stay in the shed.
Our story
The Bright United Men's Shed (BUMS) was established through the vision and determination of a group of local men who recognised the need for a community space where men could connect, share skills, support one another and contribute positively to the wider community.
In 2006, a steering group comprising Warren Barnard, Les Hopper, Don Coulson, Lee Harris and Bob Adams came together with the objective of planning, funding and constructing a Men's Shed facility for the Bright community. Working closely with Alpine Shire Council, the group investigated a number of potential locations before identifying a vacant site within the Bright Industrial Estate on Churchill Avenue.
In February 2007, a formal proposal was submitted to Alpine Shire Council and, in December of that year, Council approved the site for lease. BUMS Inc. was formally incorporated on 13 September 2007, with its ABN becoming active the following day. The organisation was also endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient, reflecting its charitable and community-focused purpose.
A lease agreement between Alpine Shire Council and BUMS Inc. commenced on 1 July 2008, providing the foundation for the development of a permanent Men's Shed facility. Building approvals followed and the Shed slab was poured in 2009. Through the efforts of volunteers, local tradespeople, community supporters and Council, the facility gradually took shape and began operating as a place where men could work together, learn new skills and build social connections.
From its inception, BUMS adopted a number of guiding objectives:
Over the following years, the Shed became an important community asset within Bright and the wider Alpine Shire. Membership steadily grew and the range of activities expanded beyond traditional wood and metalworking to include community projects, mentoring, training, social activities and partnerships with other local organisations.
Throughout its development, BUMS has maintained strong relationships with a number of valued community groups, including the University of the Third Age (U3A), Alpine Multi Skill Group (AMSG), the Bright Rod & Kustom Club and the Upper Ovens Valley Landcare Group. These partnerships have helped maximise the use of the facility and broaden its contribution to community wellbeing, lifelong learning and social inclusion.
In 2023, Alpine Shire Council undertook a review of the facility and identified a number of building compliance issues associated with historical additions and modifications that had occurred over many years. Following inspections by Council and independent building consultants, parts of the facility were closed pending rectification works.
Since that time, BUMS has worked collaboratively with Alpine Shire Council, building surveyors, engineers and other specialists to develop a pathway towards full compliance with contemporary building standards. The Committee continues to pursue grant funding and other support opportunities to undertake the required works, restore full functionality to the facility and position the Shed for future generations.
Today, BUMS remains committed to its founding purpose of improving the health, wellbeing and social connectedness of men while providing a welcoming, inclusive and practical community space that benefits the broader Alpine community.
Who runs the shed
BUMS is run by a volunteer committee, elected by members. They look after governance, projects and member welfare, with a hand from a wider team of volunteers.
Behind them is a team of volunteers looking after inductions, memberships, health & wellbeing, grants, insurance and the cleaning roster. Many hands make light work.
More than tools
A shed looks after the whole man. Alongside the workshop, we make room for the things that matter as we get older, and we keep an eye on each other.
Members' lunches, social outings, and a feed with partners through the year.
Somewhere to talk things through and back each other when life gets heavy.
Talks and sessions on men's health, because the best tool in the shed is sometimes the kettle.
Whatever brought you here, there's a place for you at the shed. Your first visit is always free, and the kettle's always on.
