Brisbane, Australia’s new world city, has been chosen as the destination for the Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) national conference, Men’s Sheds: Building Communities.
The AMSA annual conference will be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre between 21-23 August 2011.
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said the conference was expected to attract over 400 delegates and generate more than $650,000 worth of economic activity for the city of Brisbane.
“Council is working hard to make Brisbane a more inclusive, caring and connected community that supports all people in our city,” Cr Newman said.
“We recognize the valuable contribution Men’s Sheds have made to our community, which is why we’ve provided over $200,000 to Men’s Sheds groups across the city since 2008."
“Brisbane is the perfect location to host this important community-focused event and I look forward to the national conference next year.”
Men’s Sheds is a unique Australian initiative and organisation specialising in the needs of men, their health, well being and their communities. With over 450 sheds representing an estimated 40,000 men, non-for-profit organisation AMSA is the largest men’s support organisation in Australia.
The conference, which will contribute to the $170 million of economic value that business events bring to Brisbane each year, will showcase the growth and spread of Men’s Sheds throughout Australia and the world. It will also highlight the contribution sheds make to men and their communities, and the benefits communities can gain from having a local Men’s Shed.
Brisbane Marketing’s Convention Bureau Director, Annabel Sullivan said in addition the city’s reputation and collaborative approach to host world-class business events, one of the other reasons Brisbane was selected as the conference destination was because of its culture and lifestyle.
“As host destination the city’s personality will contribute greatly to the AMSA’s building communities conference and delegates and visitors’ experience,” said Ms Sullivan.
The 2011 national conference will be hosted by the Queensland Men’s Shed Association Inc (QMSA). Brisbane City Council has also created a strong partnership with QMSA to provide specialist support to both new and existing Men’s Sheds in Brisbane.
QMSA currently represents 29 Men’s Sheds scattered around Queensland predominantly in the South East, but is looking to potentially grow to 35 sheds.
Graeme Curnow, QMSA President, said that as a conference and meeting destination, Brisbane provides a positive, enthusiastic, optimistic and welcoming environment.
“The community-focused conference theme will provide Shedders with many opportunities to share ideas and learn about the benefits of establishing and operating Men’s Sheds, foster the development of Shed Clusters and sharing of resources and training,” explained Mr Curnow.
“Problems with men's health, isolation, loneliness and depression are major health issues for men. Community-based Men's Sheds can play a significant role in addressing these issues. Men’s Sheds can help connect men with their communities and mainstream society and at the same time act as a catalyst in stimulating their community's economic activities,” said Mr Curnow.
Speakers and presentations on men’s health issues previously contributed to the vitality of past programs. The program for the upcoming conference will build on the success former agendas and will aim to incorporate in the program a trade exhibition."
"It will also focus on the relevance Indigenous Men’s Sheds and will include a stream of workshops and discussions geared to the interests of Indigenous men. Three new Men’s Sheds have become active in Queensland."
