Wednesday, 16 April 2025

Keeping the Lunch Tradition Alive at Port Phillip Men’s Shed

At the Port Phillip Men’s Shed, Saturday lunches have grown into a much-loved tradition — a weekly ritual that brings members together for a good meal and even better conversation.

Over time, this weekly gathering has become more than just a meal – it’s a moment for mateship, connection, and community spirit. The tradition began with founding member Bob Small, who spent years single-handedly preparing lunch for everyone at the shed. His dedication laid the groundwork for what later became the Shed Chefs – a team of volunteers who continued the tradition with enthusiasm and care.

Led by past chef Chris Kennard and now Lee Smith, the team has provided countless meals. However, in recent months, the numbers of Shed Chefs have dwindled, and those remaining are feeling the pressure of preparing meals each week.

In his video message, shed President Abhijit Chattaraj puts out a sincere call for support to fellow members and sheds a light on the importance of sharing the load to ensure this valued tradition can continue.

Two ways to support:

1. Become a ‘Buddy’
   With more than 180 active members, the shed is hopeful that a few can spare time on Saturday mornings to support the chefs. Buddies don’t need to cook – their role is simply to assist and provide moral support, making the job less daunting and more enjoyable.

2. Join the Shed Chefs
   Anyone with a passion for cooking, or even just a willingness to help, is encouraged to join the Shed Chefs. To make it easier for new volunteers, the team is simplifying lunches. Recent examples include salad rolls – tasty, nutritious, and easy to prepare – allowing the focus to stay on sharing stories and enjoying time together.

A short pause – then a fresh start
With Easter and school holidays approaching, the shed is temporarily shifting to DIY/BYO lunches over the next couple of weeks. However, the plan is to resume group lunches after ANZAC Day, hopefully with more members on board to help out.

Abhijit’s message serves as a reminder that everything at the shed is built on volunteering and community spirit. Without new hands to help, the lunch program risks fading – but with just a small commitment from members, it can thrive well into the future.

Don’t miss: Port Phillip Men’s Shed Annual Magazine
Packed with stories, highlights, and reflections from the past year, the 2024 edition of the Port Phillip Men’s Shed annual magazine is now available.
Click here to view