While the aim of the Hornsby-Berowra Men's Shed is to support and promote men's health in the north of the Hornsby Shire, our membership is open to all.  As long as you are 18 years old or over, male or female,   and most  importantly don't mind a laugh and a cuppa, then Our Shed may be the right fit for you. 

Generally the answer is yes. If you require assistance you may need a carer to accompany you.  There may be restrictions on access to some tools or machinery  to meet Work, Health, & Safety obligations.   The Shed has a single composting toilet and does not have disabled toilet facilities. 

Eclectic would be the best description of our members, and what a diverse bunch it is. Most are retirees and come with a wealth of knowledge including: Electricians & Tradies, cabinet makers, bankers,  shipwrights, tennis coach, carpenter and joiner, fitter and turner, Civil engineers, Mechanical engineers, Art teacher,  train driver, Psychology professor, electronics and communications specialist, business owner, accountants.  

No, you are not required to make anything and some members don't like 'being on the tools'. It's up to you.  You can work on you own projects, you may like to get involved in making Shed projects for sale at market days. Some members just like the companionship and come for a chin wag and a cuppa.  If you have business experience you may like to get involved with the Shed Committee or other non executive Committee positions. 

Yes and  No, and it really depends on what you want to do. You will need to complete a brief general site safety induction and there will be some machine specific inductions on higher risk tools or machinery.  There are generally experienced members who will be more than happy to provide guidance.  URLs are provided to a range of self paced online youtube videos.

• Adhere to the Shed's codes of conduct and respect all other members.  

• Compliance to Work, Health, & Safety obligations.

• Put things back how you found them and clean up after yourself.

• Be involved with the end of shift closeup of the shed.

• From time to time the Shed may ask for volunteers to help out with market days or Sausage sizzles. (bunnings) typically on a short rotating roster of 1-2 hours. 

• Calls for volunteers to assist with shed clean up days which may include some grounds maintenance or other Shed maintenance activities if you are physically able. 

The Shed is typically operates Monday to Thursday between the hours of 8:30 am and 12 noon.  Often the Shed will stay open longer  with a minimum of two members on site if using any tools or machinery. The Shed may also open outside these times with a minimum of two authorised members on site.

Monday is typically a quiet day with usually less than 10 members,  and Thursday is typically the busiest with between 15-25 members  on site. Other days are variable. 

Whether you  are in the workshop , or just in for a cuppa, the Shed is a workshop environment. It is NOT a home workshop. Enclosed footwear, sensible work shorts or pants, high vis work shirts are preferred. Preferably no loose fitting hi-vis over vests as these can be an entanglement hazard on machinery.

The Shed is co-located with a Hornsby Council works depot and there are some truck and machinery movements. Members do cross the council works depot access  road when moving  between the car park and the Shed. The Hi-Vis workware is part of the WH&S obligations to council.    

Yes, the shed has a defibrillator and 2 first aid kits. All members should be familiar with both and in particular watch the defibrillator information video every 6 months.