The humble backyard shed has become a tool in the battle to combat male depression.
The Australian Men's Shed Association, Beyondblue and the Movember Foundation have joined forces to launch a new community networking site, The Shed Online, where blokes can connect with other blokes, make new mates, share skills and seek information on health and wellbeing.
The forum is an extension of the 400 Men's Shed groups around Australia and aims to create a virtual community, reaching out to more men, particularly those in rural and remote areas.
At Monday's launch, beyondblue chairman Jeff Kennett shows off his shed, and Australia's first man, Tim Mathieson, displays his in the salubrious grounds of Kirribilli House.
Mr Mathieson, a patron of the Australian Men's Shed Association, says he seeks refuge in his shed when he wants to "escape" the house.
It's a place where he can tune into the cricket, pick up a bat and ball and pretend he's hitting out for Australia.
"My shed is a temple. It's great for my mental health," he says.
Mr Kennett, a former Victorian premier, says his shed is very important to him and houses his gardening and carpentry tools.
"Every man needs a shed. But not everyone has one. So, we're building Australia's biggest shed and it's online. The more men, the bigger the shed," he said in a statement.
"We want to give men who don't have a local Men's Shed the opportunity to be part of a community, to socialise, make new friends and maybe work on a project together."
The Shed Online features a discussion forum, information on health and wellbeing and a calendar of upcoming events and activities.
The initiative aims to build on the 30,000 members of Men's Shed groups around Australia.
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