Meet Grant McLean – who has been appointed to the role of Coordinator at the Hawthorn AgeWell Centre Men’s Shed.
And he’s been charged with increasing the number of participants, after attendance tapered off during COVID-19 restrictions.
The beautifully appointed, incredibly well-stocked Men’s Shed at Hawthorn is also being used as a template for future sheds to be established at other AgeWell Centres.
Director of AgeWell Centres Paul Warwick says a number of participants at Victoria’s seven AgeWell Centres have expressed interested in establishing their own sheds at the sites.
“What has been achieved at the Hawthorn shed is a great example for all the men and women who want to participate,” says Paul.
So who is the man who will be working with volunteers to build up membership?
Grant has 25 years’ experience in logistics, transport, sea freights, cranes and in furnishing warehouses with shelving, flooring and storage areas.
It’s his first foray into aged care, but he’s pretty excited and a few weeks in, says he’s never been happier.
The 54-year-old family man says he finds it hugely rewarding working with older clients. “My 84-year-old Mum lives with us, and I have a huge affinity for older people,” he explains.
He plays down his woodworking skills and says he’s learning more each day.
But already he knows that the clients – including one women – pop in as much for the company as for the carpentry. “They lead the discussions, and believe me they chat about all sorts of things. Some of it is banter, some of it is deep. But the camaraderie is very real,” he says.
Grant is trying to make an exotic 64-container spice board (think of a chess board with cavities for spice bottles instead of squares).
Both he and his wife are avid cooks. “I love Asian food - give me Thai, Indian and Nepalese dishes. The hotter the better!”