11th February, 2026.
Warradale Men's Shed are the winners of the Local Hero (Community Group) Award in the Wollondilly Shire Council 2026 Australia Day awards, in recognition of its Intergenerational Woodwork and Storytelling Program, which is supporting connection and wellbeing of both the seniors and youth of Wollondilly. The program has brought together the Men's shed members with Warragamba Public School students in a supportive environment, where connections are formed alongside the practical skills of woodworking. The sharing of wisdom is met with enthusiasm and energy, and a mutual respect between all participants. Men's Sheds play an important role in reducing social isolation and increasing practical skills. For the many youth who don't have access to a shed full of tools and scrap wood to experiment with, this intergenerational Program offers that wonderful opportunity, right here in Wollondilly. Over hammers and nails, students learn practical skills, increase their communication skills, and develop emotional awareness and empathy for older adults. Sixty students over the last 12 months have participated in four rounds of the program, which has been recognised nationally, with Warradale Men's Shed selected to present at the 2026 National Men's Shed Conference.
