The Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) is a non-profit organisation that was set up in April 2007 to aid men's sheds across Australia. The purpose of the Association was to offer a central source for all Men’s Sheds in the country, due to the number of duplicate men's sheds appearing.
The AMSA represents 900 men's sheds, acting as a central support organization to over 125,000 Australian men.[1]
The concept was originally discussed in 2005, before it was formally founded in 2007. The initial aim was to provide central support to the men's sheds across Australia.[2] This would be done through distributing free information, while aiming to develop men's sheds, and their effectiveness. These aims resulted in a common goal, which resulted in minimising the setup and running costs associated with men's sheds.[2]
In 2010 the Federal Government of Australia launched the Men’s Health Policy, which identified and recognized the role the AMSA play in men's health throughout Australia.[3] This identification led to them receiving a grant of AU$3 million to help support their foundation. Later that year the organization also became registered as a tax-deductible recipient.[4]
The success of AMSA is now a model, which is being replicated by numerous non-profit organisations worldwide, including Japan, Europe and North America.[5]
The AMSA provide a variety of services aimed at members, such as risk management advice and insurance.[1] The organization also aims to source funding and resources that benefit men's sheds.[6] Every two years the AMSA holds a National Conference, aimed at sharing knowledge and experiences. In 2015 it held its 6th Annual Conference,[7] where different aims and achievements were discussed. The conference in 2015 attracted over 400 delegates and had a number of key speakers involved in health and men's sheds.[7]
The AMSA also provides an online forum for members, along with aids to apply for development grants.[8]
