Wearing "silly hats" was a theme for those attending a Men's Shed cluster muster at Drouin with shed facilitators David Mudge (West Gippsland) and Barbera Look (South Gippsland) leading the way.
Representatives from Men's Sheds throughout West and South Gippsland got together at Drouin to share ideas and learn of assistance available.
Almost 70 people representing 18 sheds attended the cluster muster held at Drouin Golf Club.
Despite lockdowns and other COVID related problems over the past two years all sheds reported membership numbers were returning to pre-COVID levels, new projects were underway and engagement with local communities remained high.
Speakers included Cameron Thompson from the Victorian men's Shed Association, University of Melbourne's Sanne Oostermeier who sppoke about available mental health courses and suicide prevention, and community engagement adviser for the Inner Gippsland area Kellie Betrand.
Finance was a prominent topic with most men's sheds relying heavily on donations, markets, barbecues and the sale of firewood to augment income.
Speakers also outlined how to apply for various government grants that are available.
None of those that attended went home empty handed.
They either won tools that were raffled or picked up a wooden money box or another handcrafted item.
