Boomer Shed Member Spotlight: Elwin Finds Confidence, Connection and a New Set of Skills at the Boomer Shed
When Elwin joined the Boomer Shed a few months ago, he was looking for a way to rebuild his confidence, learn something new and connect with people.
After 40 years working as a payroll manager, Elwin was used to working with computers. The practical, hands-on nature of the Boomer Shed offered something different.
His wife was the one who discovered the Shed and encouraged him to give it a go after he had suffered a stroke.
“I wanted to get a bit more hands on,” says Elwin. “The idea of learning how to use tools and becoming more practical and hands on was interesting after years of working on computers.”
Finding connection at the Shed
For Elwin, one of the biggest highlights has been the people.
He enjoys meeting likeminded people and getting to know people from different walks of life. The Shed gives him a place to chat, laugh and work alongside others, helping him build his social confidence along the way.
“There is a great sense of community within the Shed,” he says. “It’s been nice connecting with people I never would have before. We all chat and laugh together.”
That sense of connection is at the heart of the Boomer Shed. The community workshop brings people together to share their skills, learn from each other and contribute to projects that support their local community.
For Elwin, the experience has made a difference to his mental wellbeing too.
“Being in the Shed has you thinking all the time,” he says. “Looking at plans, seeing how we’re going to make something and then it coming together is super rewarding.”
From plans to projects
Elwin has already started building his practical skills. With support from other Shed members, he has learnt how to use a bench saw and has contributed to several projects. Fellow Shed members Garry and Paul have been great tutors, sharing their knowledge and helping Elwin learn how to use new tools.
He has also been learning how to read plans and understand the process behind making something, from the first idea through to the finished project.
That growing confidence recently came together in a project when he worked on a letterbox for Garry’s friend. Elwin has now finished the letterbox, with the final coat of paint going on last week.
“I’m reading plans and seeing the process from plan to completion, which has built my skills.”
Giving back through community mahi
One of Elwin’s favourite projects so far has been making wooden flower boards to adorn the fence of a local kindy. He spent around three months working on the project and helped create five boards alongside Shed members Garry, Little John and John, which are now proudly displayed outside the kindy.
For Elwin, being able to contribute to projects that benefit the community is a big part of what makes the Shed special.
“I’ve worked on the flower boards for three months. It’s been great contributing to work for the community.”
A place to keep learning
When asked what he would say to someone thinking about joining the Boomer Shed, Elwin doesn't hesitate.
“My sister lives up North and she wishes something like the Boomer Shed was near her.”
He says the later part of life can sometimes feel isolating or boring, and the Shed offers an opportunity to learn, meet people and be part of a community.
“You can’t beat the sense of community, getting to interact with people of all walks of life and building social skills.”
After only a few months, Elwin has already found his feet at the Shed. He’s learning new skills, contributing to community projects and building connections with people he may never have met otherwise.
And he has one skill from his past that is already proving useful. Before his career in payroll, Elwin spent some time painting cars, working on everything from Toyotas to Porsches. When he mentioned this Garry, Garry handed him a paintbrush and told him to “get to it.”
We can’t wait to see the future projects Elwin creates.
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