Ted Riley is a Sunbury resident of 45 years and currently serves as the president of the Hume Men’s Shed. He spoke with reporter Oliver Lees.
What is your connection to Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges?
I have lived in Sunbury since 1976 after emigrating from the United Kingdom in 1975.
I worked at the Airport for TAA as it was known until it changed its name to Australian Airlines. I was a maintenance sheet metal worker, but left the Airlines in 1983 to start a new career in teaching. I worked as a foundation teacher at the Sunbury Downs College as an instructor in metal work and wood work.
I also founded the Sunbury Rugby League Club in 1992. After many struggles with getting it off the ground, I am pleased to say that it is thriving with many good rugby players involved with the club. Even more so now, as one of the juniors now plays for the Melbourne Storm, of which our whole family are very proud. I also taught bugle at our local fire brigade junior band for many years.
Why did you decide to get involved in the Hume Men’s Shed?
I was already involved in The Men’s Shed a long time before I became a member. It wasn’t until I retired that I joined after a lot of thought. But since joining it has become my lifeline in a lot of different aspects. I am now the president of the Hume Men’s Shed and I enjoy it very much, although because of COVID-19, we have been closed more than open.
What have you gained from being a part of the organisation?
I would just like to say that being a member of the Shed is for anyone and everyone, it has helped me tremendously. It’s really all about talking about Men’s problems and having a laugh about it all, instead of just bottling it all up inside. You will be surprised as to how many different guys have all had the same problem as everyone else.
It’s very good for your mental health which we are all about, but you can also gain other skills which perhaps you’ve never even considered learning. Things such as woodwork, metal work, welding, machining and gardening. Or, you can just have a cuppa and a chat.
How can people get involved?
The Hume Men’s Shed is located at Evans Street in Sunbury next to the grasslands. Currently we are closed, but when we are open just drop in and have a chat. We’re open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 12pm.
All are welcome, and you’ll never know until you have a go.
You can also contact me directly via email, at: mensshedsunbury@gmail.com
