South West Men’s Shed makes homes for possums displaced by bushfire

A South West men’s shed has turned to “home-building”, making homes for critically endangered possums displaced by a catastrophic bushfire.

The Dunsborough Men’s Shed have committed to building more than 50 possum boxes for critically endangered western ringtail possums after bushfire ripped through 40 hectares of native bushland just outside the Dunsborough townsite.

The men’s shed were approached by a local wildlife carer after the fires asking if they could make possum boxes to help house homeless possums — which they enthusiastically agreed to.

What started with a 30 box agreement — for free to house the possums — grew to 51 when they approached the M&B outlet to purchase plywood, the shed was donated six sheets by manager Glen Butler.

Shed secretary Alan Briggs said it was easy to jump onboard when presented with such a cause.

“We were thinking initially what can we as a men’s shed do to contribute to the community after the fires,” he said.

“It’s elating that we are able to continue to help the community.”

George Mariotto leads construction of the boxes and said the shed has an obligation to put back into the community.

“Because the community looks after us — the least we can do is give back,” he said.

People had been quick to accommodate the displaced marsupials, wildlife volunteers told the Times.

“It makes me so happy to have everyone in the community coming together — it’s amazing to see something that was so tragic to bring out so much good in the community,” a carer said.

“The men’s shed jumping on board, and the people supplying the timber has blown me away, having everyone jump on this so quickly is exactly what the possums need.

“It’s great to have the guys here at the men’s shed to be able to drive down the street and see their possum boxes.”

A fellow carer Jo Kennedy said there were plenty of ways the community could continue to help displaced possums if installing a possum box wasn’t an option.

She said making sure possums had access to fresh water, creating safe spaces by avoiding pesticides, keeping natural hollows, and hiding spots in gardens.

Ms Kennedy said driving with care was critical to avoiding possums meeting their end on the roads and keeping old trees standing would give possums the best natural habitat.

“Every creature, from microscopic soil beasties to the critically endangered western ringtail possums, plays a role in a healthy, thriving ecosystem,” she said.

“Biodiversity supports clean air, water, food, and climate stability — when we protect nature, we protect ourselves.”