Name of Shed (place, State) # shared premises with a Men’s Shed |
Established (*Open 2022) |
Publicly available information [last updated] |
New South Wales (34 Sheds) |
Orange Women’s Shed (NSW)
updated 11 Oct 2021 |
2018*. Open 2021 |
orangewsinc@gmail.com , Contact Michelle Einsaar, ‘Shed intention to develop skills & confidence in women to be able to do small maintenance jobs. Open to any women age 16+ who would like to learn how to use basic tools safely. Friendly with neighbouring Lucknow & Borenore Men’s Sheds. Shed at rear of 1635 Forest Road, Orange. Approx 45 members. Open Wed to Fri 9.30am-1pm. Main activities small woodworking projects on different home maintenance tasks.’ Facebook page active 2021. |
Parramatta Women’s Shed (NSW) |
9 Dec 2018 |
www.bower.org.au/sheds ‘Partnership between Supporting and linking Tradeswomen (SALT), The Bower & City of Parramatta’. Pre COVID met every third Wed 6-8pm at The Bower, Parramatta. ‘A creative social group pf women of all ages who share their individual skills.info@bower.org.au Grace Turbott, Operations Manager, Bower Reuse & Repair Centres 02 80042666 reports (Oct 2020) that ‘Our women’s shed has been in a transition phase due to change of management and structure in our location – and COVID on top. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to provide precise meeting dates/times , but will do so when we have them finalised’. Facebook page active 2021. August 2022 update from Fi Shewring ‘I am sorry to say that we have permanently closed our Shed at Quakers Hill at short notice. We are hopeful that we may be able to set up another Shed at some time in the future but at this stage we can’t project where or when that may be. We are concentrating on our mobile workshop which travels all around Australia and we will do our utmost to continue to run workshops for women in the community. We would like to thank you for your support and interest.’ [Update 5 Aug 2022] |
Albury Women’s Shed(NSW) |
2016 first meeting; in premises since 2017 * |
FACEBOOK Albury Women’s Shed Facebook: alburywomensshed@gmail.com : 0476166577: www.alburywomen’sshed.org.au . Open Mon & Fri 10-1, Wed 4.30-7.30pm. 195 Corrys Rd, Thurgoona 2640; ‘Aimed at empowering women that are learning together about renovation, repair and using tools. What do women do at the Shed: We learn! We encourage. We help each other to renovate furniture, build garden benches and we contemplate our next project. And there is laughter as we work on our projects and chat (as long as no-one is drilling or sawing!). Women are also welcome to come in and enjoy the company of other members over a cuppa or a quiet time in the library.’ Facebook page active 2021. |
Ulladulla Woman’s Shed (NSW)* |
formed 2014/15* |
Premises in Aug 2015, Awaiting email response @, 2014 President Jan McKay 0476956459 MISSING EMAIL CONTACT |
Her Cave Inc. (Kanwal, NSW)*
Updated 11 Oct 2021 |
2016*
Closed during COVID July-Oct 2021: then reopened |
FACEBOOK:hercave1@gmail.com : 0415281920, www.hercave.org.au Contact Regina Doyle (President). Aim ‘To share handcraft skills for very low cost and help create friendships, on the Central Coast [NSW] area. … No age limits!!! ‘Any women needing friendships to learn new skills and combat loneliness’. Open Wed & Fri 9.30am-2.30pm 41 Pearce Road, Kanwal; Group ranges in age from 20 through to 80s. ‘We don’t discriminate on age or sex as to men learning to sew’. ‘We would dearly love to have our own place like the Men’s Sheds, but as we are not associated with other Women’s Sheds it makes it very hard to get somewhere we can use solely at a low rent. Many of our members are medically unfit to move furniture back and forth to a storage space. Facebook page active 2021.’Since July 2021 we had to close due to the new COVID outbreak & we are happy to see we will be opening back up 20 October, 2021. As we operate only on fees that our members pay each week & not received any financial help over the entire lockdown we are now scraping the bottom of the barrel when it comes to rent. We thought we were going to be lucky enough to get a hall through our local council but that has been put on hold for another six months which takes that saga to 18 months of not knowing where we stand. The “Men’s Sheds” tended to get plenty of funding when they wanted a shed built but for us women it doesn’t seem that simple it seems. … or we aren’t as lucky as they have been in the past. One other part of the building “purpose built sheds” for the men is that some of them are or were builders so they could do alot of the work we don’t usually do. Apart from all the problems we face when we want to create something worthwhile for others, we can at least smile under our masks & get a bit of normality back in our lives after next week [mid Oct 2021] & hope we can stay open for a longer time from now on. |
Moree Women’s Shed (NSW)
Updated 11 Oct 2021 |
March 2021 * |
moreewomensshed@gmail.com Contact: Julia Mitchell (Founder) julia@northwestmarketing.com.au 0438222060. Operating from an old gentlemen’s club which was donated to the Lifehouse Church. Took out AMSA (Australian Men’s Shed Association) membership to make insurance cheaper. Vision: ‘A place to create, but more importantly, somewhere to connect. A central place where women could come together, share stories, have a cuppa, work on a project, share with others, help the community and grow old together’. Open Tuesday 9.30am-11.30pm. Moree Women’s Shed Facebook Group. |
The Hills Women’s Shed (Baulkham Hills, Sydney, NSW) |
2018* |
An initiative of Positive Vibes Foundation, a charity organisation, see: http://www.positivevibes.org.au, Active Facebook Page, The Hills Women’s Shed. (THWS) Contact thehillswomensshed@positivevibes.org.au , Mercedes or Jeanette 0408549530. ‘A progressive organisation pulsating with a community heart: Women focussed, man & family friendy’. ‘We have a calendar of events including mental health events, gardening, sewing classes, cooking classes, succulents activities, beauty and wellbeing etc for our community group. We welcome the community in general, including women from different cultural backgrounds and also some male members. Everyone is welcome to our sessions, events and classes. We are working hard with the community to break the stigma of mental health.’ |
Women’s Shed on the Lake (Lake Macquarie, NSW)
INCLUDED AS A CASE STUDY IN ‘WOMEN’S SHED WORLDWIDE’ BOOK CHAPTER, (Golding & Carragher, 2021, pp. 336-7) |
2017* |
FACEBOOK: womensshedonthelake@gmail.com , 0458407749 ‘inclusive group for women of all ages’, Fri 9am-12, Warner’s Bay Baptist Church Hall. ‘Our group was formed in October 2016 and is an activity of a Community Centre (Our Community Place) situated in Boolaroo, Lake Macquarie NSW. We are open to women of all ages. In the beginning we met fortnightly and were supported by a worker from the community centre. Over time our members have formed a committee and have become responsible for the management of the group. We are also financially independent, raising funds to support the group. Our group meets weekly now and we have at least 25-30 women attending weekly. The Committee manages a program which includes craft experiences, outings, speakers from a variety of organisations of interest to the women as well as community projects which support local organisations. Our biggest challenge so far has been to find a permanent home which suits the needs of the group.’ Margaret Standen, Sub-committee, Women’s Shed on the Lake. |
Community Women’s Shed Kurri Kurri (NSW)* |
2015* |
Contact Dee Phelps Threlfo dee1806@gmail.com: FACEBOOK: communitywomensshed.kurrikurri@gmail.com ; Thurs & Fri, 9.30-1. ‘Bringing women together. For women of all ages & backgrounds’. |
Women’s Shed, Forster(NSW) |
opened July 2010, (one of the first in Australia), CLOSED 2014 |
Affiliated with Forster Neighbourhood Centre (FNC) Original intention ‘to support women of all ages and backgrounds. A meeting place – a giving and receiving place’. ‘Representatives from various Great Lakes district organisations and services visited the FNC’s Women’s Shed to share information about the services that they provide to the community. Some of the group activities included:Free health checks – Blood Pressure & Blood Sugar Check, Catering for community events and the soup kitchen, Fundraising for women, children and families in crisis, Self-defence classes, Local History Walks, Singing and Poetry. CLOSED 2014 |
Port Macquarie Women’s Shed (NSW) |
Oct 2015* |
‘Building confidence, capability and connection’. FACEBOOK: contact Bev McKinlay, Secretary 0405153491; portmacquariewomensshed@gmail.com . Approx. 40 members, with meeting room in Port Macquarie & limited access to woodwork facilities in Port Macquarie. Update Oct 2021, below from Jennifer Tighe, President PMWS, 0429184093: ‘Our Port Macquarie Women’s Shed has successfully gained land which we will be able to build our own purpose built shed. A wonderful achievement for our community. We have submitted plans to the local council, which have been approved and we are in the process of applying for grants and raising funds to get it started. We have women from 18 to 91 in our group, we do anything and everything, from making dreamcatchers, earrings, mosaics, as well as sewing, crocheting, knitting and using our woodworking tools to create a variety of items. To raise funds to continue, we charge membership, we have workshops, we have stalls occasionally and also have events, such as ‘girls night out’ which includes a movie night, gift bag, drinks and nibbles. We expect an increase in membership once our shed is built. We have also applied for charity status, which will allow members or the community to donate to us. Our main focus remains mental health for our regional and isolated women, we also believe in empowering women to gain new skills and knowledge, while building meaningful relationships. We have found that so many of our ladies are lonely, suffer from anxiety or depression, have lost their partners or children, are in the early stages of dementia and this gives them a safe place to get together and help each other. We are certainly looking forward to the 12 months, which should see us have the shed completed and up and running. Update May 2022 from Jennifer Tighe, President: ‘We have been successful in gaining 2 grants and hope to start our building soon. We are getting quotes for water/sewer and power to the site. The DA was approved, we have been given Charity status, we now have 50 members, we have started having guest speakers attending and started using resin, making bags for kids, started ukulele lessons along with many more workshops. We have a lovely bunch of caring women attending. This is all that needs updating at the moment.’ [May 2022] |
Two Sheds Workshop (Bega, NSW |
2014 (Bega) * |
‘Addressing the entrenched gender gap in the building industry’: Woodwork for Women and Kids; 0419286507 LM, Awaiting email address@ Website www.twoshedsworkshops.com.au |
Two Sheds Workshop (Canberra, ACT) |
2017 (Canberra) * |
As above |
Inner West Women’s Shed(Dulwich Hill) (NSW) |
April 2013. Closed during COVID19, reopened* |
‘Working to Honor and Empower Women’; met Wed pm in Seaview Hall before shutdown. Membership $10 per annum since 2013. ‘There are no plans to meet again due to concerns about health and wellbeing of members, many of whom are in the high risk category.’ MISSING CONTACT DETAIL |
Wagga Wagga Women’s Shed Inc. (NSW) |
July 2017* |
FACEBOOK Kerlane, Email: waggawaggawomensshed@hotmail.com Helen, Secretary 0403875590. Opened by Kerry Luff. Meet 3 days a week Mon, Wed & Fri 10am-2 pm. ‘We have meditation, yoga, tai chi , Knitting/ crocheting, line dancing & raft classes. Meet at the Tennis Courts on Beckwith Street. Our main aim is to create a safe place for women of all ages to meet and talk. Participants range from 30 to 90 years; single, married, divorced or widowed’. |
Hunter Valley Women’s Shed (Maitland, NSW) |
floated 2017* |
FACEBOOK: ‘women coming together, empowering each other to learn and gain skills.’. Meet Thursday at Branxton Uniting Church, Open Nov 2020 MISSING CONTACT DETAIL |
Narromine Community Women’s Shed (NSW) |
April 2013 * |
FACEBOOK: 0487200987, Leina, Public Officer narrominewomensshed@gmail.com |
Lithgow Area Women’s Shed (NSW) |
2019* |
Private FACEBOOK, ‘A place where all women in Lithgow area are welcome to come and join us’, with a strong emphasis on’ building women; seeking a permanent home. MISSING CONTACT DETAIL |
Hornsby & Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shed (NSW) |
15 May 2019* |
FACEBOOK :Via PCYP Hornsby: womensshedhk@gmail.com . ‘providing a safe, inclusive & supportive space for women to learn & connect through sharing stories, experiences & knowledge.’ |
Griffith Women’s Shed (Yoogali, NSW) |
Open 6 Nov 2018* |
griffithwomensshed@gmail.com , Carol Johnson, President, |
Robertson Men’s Shed(near Bowral (NSW) # |
Temporary Men’s Shed with women involved since 2017, new Men’s Shed including women 2020 * |
John Kennis, President, Robinson Men’s Shed: robertsonmensshed@gmail.com‘In a temporary Shed, a 6m x 7m garage. for both men and women, Men on Tuesdays, Women on Fridays. The number of women participating vary but the ones that do come are very keen. When the women attend, the Men’s Shed provide two members to assist in training on equipment, safety and other assistance. Our new Shed should be completed by December 2020. Once completed we will still run two separate days for men and women and on occasion have mixed days. The feedback from the women attending is very positive and I am sure that we will have a great shed for both men and women. We need to ensure we do not stray from the main ethos of what Men’s Sheds are for, the health and wellbeing of men, now also the health and wellbeing of women. Our vision is to provide for the community of Robertson a Shed that can be a place for both men and women to meet, socialise and become engaged with community. Also run youth workshops, community workshops, people with a disability workshops’. |
Arncliffe: Fix it Sisters Shed (NSW) |
2018* |
FACEBOOK, hello@fixitsistersshed.org.au , Instagram and Facebook
@fixitsistershed. ’empowering women of all ages with practical and creative skills’. Update 3 May 2022 below from Linda: In 2020, the Fix It Sisters moved from our previous location to a larger premises in the Sydney suburb of Kyeemagh. We are in the process of gradually expanding our membership, with a focus on growth that is sustainable. Our penguin burrow project has continued with the support of prominent Australian wildlife organisations. Our burrows are dotted across Australian islands on the East coast. On Snapper Island, 80% of our burrows are inhabited! During COVID-19, we continued operations via Zoom and maintained social connection. Now that we are back in person, we have restarted our workshops, showcases and projects, all underscored by our aim to empower women with practical and creative skills. [May 2022] |
Cessnock Community Women’s Shed (NSW) |
Sept 2015* |
FACEBOOK, cessnockwomensshed@gmail.com 0456213604, ‘inclusive group for all women’, |
Coonamble Women’s Shed (NSW) |
Active from 23 July 2018 * |
FACEBOOK, coonamblewomensshedinc2829@gmail.com . ‘about helping women escape the everyday pressures that life throws up. So come along and have some fun’. |
Corowa and District SHE Shed Inc. (NSW) |
Formed Feb 2017* |
FACEBOOK, meet Corowa CWA Rooms, Wed 10-2, Basia (shed supervisor) 0419630101. ‘SHE: S stands for ‘soul sanctuary, shine, strive, social, smart, sparkle, spirit, super-solidarity, star’; H harmony, health, happy, heart, handy heal & E esteem, enhancement, energy, enthusiasm, essence, excellence’. MISSING CONTACT DETAIL |
Gundagai Women’s Shed(NSW)
updated 12 Oct 2021 |
Active 2021 * |
Run through Gundagai Men’s Shed: Contact: Wendy Chomley gundagaished@gmail.com . ‘Gundagai Women’s Shed currently has 6 active members. We meet every Wednesday from 8:30am till noon. We are supervised by one of the men who have instructed us in the proper use of the machines. We have a lot of fun and laughs whilst doing upcycling and repair projects ranging from tables and outdoor furniture to bread boards and bird houses. New members are very welcome.’ |
Mullumbimby Women’s Shed (NSW) |
Convened March 2018 * |
FACEBOOK, ‘a welcoming sacred space for women and girls to connect, grow & learn in an atmosphere of generosity and goodwill’, Community Gardens Rotunda, Thurs 2-4. MISSING CONTACT DETAIL |
Women’s Shed (Marian House) (Karuah, Hunter Region, NSW) |
first proposed May 2010, first meeting 16 June 2010* |
Karuah, Myall Coast Catholic Parish, Contact: briro@bigpond.com ; Rose Smith: 0414834922 ‘Provides an opportunity for women to get together in our hall for a chat, a cuppa and to share in some simple craft ideas’. The suggestion arose because I had for several years belonged to a craft group that met regularly, and the enjoyment I experienced was something I was keen to share. We meet monthly on the second Tuesday of each month and I organise and prepare the craft activity The ladies keep an eye out for ideas and happily share these. We really knew nothing much about Men’s Sheds when we started except that they existed and so one of our number thought if it was good enough for men to have a shed then it was good enough for us to have a Women’s Shed ! Not a very professional approach I feel but it was and still is, intended to be a no fuss, pleasant gathering for the ladies of our town.’ |
The Ladies’ Shed, Kempsey (NSW) #one day for ladies in Men’s Shed |
* |
kempseymensshed@gmail.com , Tuesday’s 10-2 in the Kempsey Men’s Shed. |
Sheila’s Shed, Tuncurry (NSW) |
2017 * |
FACEBOOK: 0481148029 LM, creative art & craft group, 22/60 Manning Street, Tuncurry MISSING CONTACT DETAIL |
Clarence River U3A Women’s Shed (NSW) #
Meet in Men’s Shed |
2016 * |
Doreen Plyman, Group Leader and one of the founding members. 0423632404, ‘We began in mid 2012 with 6 women and now operate with a membership of approx. 60 women. We meet at the Men’s Shed in Townsend NSW every Friday from 0900 to 1500 and apart from 3 months closure from April till 24th June we have operated continuously. During covid 19 we have implemented the necessary restrictions placed upon us. When someone new joins us they are taught how to operate both wood and metalwork machinery and hand tools to enable them to safely exist in a workshop environment. On their first day they make their own toolbox. We have a male mentor to assist if necessary, contact: email t.d.plymin@optusnet.com.au, 4.The local U3A website cru3a.u3anet.org.au. ‘Our main aim is to provide a safe and friendly environment for women to learn new skills and socialise with their peers. To join our Women’s Shed you need to be over 50 and not working full time as we come under U3A and must meet their membership criteria.’ |
Wyong Women’s Shed (NSW) |
Opened Feb 2019 * |
FACEBOOK, carryoncrafting@outlook.com , 0491769935, 48 Nerambi Rd, Buff Point, Shed President: Kim 0425259867 kimmoy1958@hotmail.com |
Yeoval Women’s Shed(NSW) INCLUDED AS A CASE STUDY IN ‘WOMEN’S SHED WORLDWIDE’ BOOK CHAPTER, (Golding & Carragher, 2021, pp. 338-9) |
2015 * |
FACEBOOK, in association with ‘Yeoval and District Men’s Shed’ Frances Parish, President and Founder wozp@westnet.com.au : NOTE ‘Yeoval and District Men’s Shed and Women’s Shed’ is the sign on street frontage; both Sheds share the same building. |
Inverell Women’s Cottage(Shed) (NSW) |
July 2020 * |
FACEBOOK, Lorraine Brown, lbrown@northnet.com.au 0447683134. Inverell Times July 9 2020 article ‘ Through working at the BEST Community Shed [3 ladies] found there was a desperate need for a place women of all ages could go to build skills, learn how to be independent and empower one another. After voicing the idea on social media, a meeting was held to form a committee and look for a place to call the cottage home. Publicity Officer Heather Whitby said since then, Northern Inland Community College in Inverell has donated their old premises in Campbell Street for the purpose of Inverell Women’s Cottage.’ |
SALT SkillWomen Shed, Quakers Hill, (NSW) |
SALT begun 2009, SALT Shed Launched Nov 2017 * |
qhshed@saltaustralia.org.au : Facebook https://www.facebook.com/saltskillwomenshed Website www.saltaustralia.org.au. Marti Fletcher runs the Shed in consultation with Fi Shewring and other volunteers plus the SALT office. ‘Supporting And Linking Tradeswomen (SALT) began in 2009 and since 20012 has run a very unique mobile workshop which has travelled across Australia teaching mostly women and girls but boys and men as well. SALT has taught thousands of people basic tool skills via the mobile SALT workshops which have been a huge success, but many people kept saying to us “But I want to learn more!”. When we began the mobile workshops in 2012, we contacted some Men’s Sheds to see if we could use some space to provide a workshop on a regular basis. The response was not positive so we stayed completely mobile but the idea grew that we could easily run our own shed. Initially, the biggest issue was finding a space which was ours for little cost. We followed a number of leads in Wollongong but nothing eventuated until I met Marti, an electrician from Blacktown. She ‘took the bit between her teeth’ and not only found a space but contacted Blacktown Council who were completely supportive. When we first gained access to what became the ‘SALT Shed’, it was in a sad condition. We cleaned, installed and built benches and Blacktown Council helped with some necessary repairs to the structure. The SALT Shed was launched in November 2017. One of the unique things about the SALT Shed is that it is run by tradeswomen from many different trades. Wehave since run many courses s such as the Basic Tool Skills course (which is the crux of the Mobile workshop)s but we have also run workshops on paving, using jigsaws and scroll saws as well as security in the home and many others. There is also ;Tinker Time; which is space and time each week for Shed members to bring in their own projects; the tradespeople support them with tool knowledge and safety. It has been quite extraordinary what has been achieved during these times from cutting down bar stools to match existing ones to creating very personal memorials to lost loved ones. Blacktown Council have been amazingly supportive of the Shed with SALT tradies giving their time voluntarily to staff and run it. Courses are run on a material cost and offer a great deal of support to people, whether it is just to learn basics to help themselves in their own home or to increase their skills in a range of tools. We have also connected with a number of other Sheds and provided the Basic Tool Skills Workshop to many of them on a regular basis. Membership of the SALT Shed is for a year and to join you need to book into a Basic Tool Skills Workshop and complete this first course. For a very small fee this gives you not only membership of the Shed for a year but also inducts you on how the Shed works, safety and how to use the basic tools. The Shed’s aims are SALTs aims, plus providing a space where people can learn and gain skills in a safe environment. |
Adelong Shed Women’s Day |
|
‘Adelong has a day dedicated to women in their Men’s Shed’: awaiting further information, MISSING CONTACT DETAIL |
Tarago Area Women’s Shed |
Dec 2021 |
Tarago is a small village 40km south of Goulburn: awaiting further information & contact details from organisers, Feb 2022 |
Bleu Mountains Women’s Shed |
2019 |
Karen Stevenson, President of Blue Mountains Women’s Shed http://www.karjesgraphics.com reported in late 2021 . ‘We have been in existence since 2019. Recently on the Channel 10 show ‘The Living Room’. We have a very small shed which had a renovation thanks to the TV show and promoted Women’s Sheds Australia wide.
https://bluemountainswomensshed.wordpress.com/
We have been closed all through COVID, but will be officially reopening in December [2021], we have over 1,700 Facebook followers and around 25 financial members, up until the shed was renovated we were a mobile shed, with a trailer providing pop-up workshops for women from Lapstone to Little Hartley here in the Blue Mountains. We will still provide this service as our shed isn’t big enough to work from, we will use it more as a meeting place, to catch up for a cuppa and a chat’. |
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Queensland (9 Sheds) |
The Sheila’s Shack Inc., Nerang (Qld) |
2013* |
0490815790.’ Shelia’s Shack is a not-for-profit friendship group for women to share knowledge, skills, socialise and build friendships. We meet on Thursday and Saturday mornings from 9am till 12 noon for a cuppa and chat. We hold workshops, art, craft, we have a walking group and book club we also fund-raise to help those in need in our local community’. meets Nerang Country Paradise Parklands, Nerang. MISSING EMAIL CONTACT |
Women’s Shed Townsville (Qld) |
2019* |
‘to provide women with a similar experience as men’. ‘female version of the Men’s Shed’. MISSING CONTACT DETAIL |
Charters Towers Women of the Outback Shed (Qld [first in Qld] |
2015/ 2016* |
Drought stricken, outback community: Response: ‘Part of, and represented in and by The Australian Men’s Shed Association and adhere to Covid 19 guidelines produced by the Queensland State Government and the Australian Federal Government.’ |
Toowoomba Women’s Shed (Qld) |
2019* |
Contact Jean Turner: 0488126282, jeantob136@hotmail.com . ‘Toowoomba Women’s Shed became a reality when the women who are part of it decided that we needed to work for helping our own community . We had been associated with Sewing For Charity Australia and all our handmade goods were being sent round Brisbane and down thru the eastern states. The core group have been meeting and sewing items for 4-5 years. but we became the Women’s Shed about a year ago (2019) .We now meet in a shed belonging to a church here in Toowoomba and meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays but looking at that being extended to more days. We sew, talk, laugh and have a nurturing effect on our joint lives. Facebook is Toowoomba Women’s Shed . We aim to produce usable worthwhile items for needy people i.e. Aged care homes, school groups in lower socioeconomic areas hospitals, child care and wild life carers to name a few . We are basically in the age range 60-90. Some ladies come every week. Sometimes we deliver work to them and give their lives purpose that they are helping others. It was my dream and it is fulfilling for all of us and it is a joy to watch the new ones blossom and change in confidence and abilities as the time goes on.’ |
Harrisville Women’s Shed (Scenic Rim near Beaudesert) (Qld) |
2016 * |
Anglican Parish, MISSING CONTACT DETAIL |
The Gap She Shed, (The Gap) (Qld) |
Nov 2019 * |
Private FACEBOOK (739 members created 6 Nov 2019), ‘ Supportive and caring; Helping to create community; enjoy learning, ideas & creativity; skill sharing across generations; have a laugh in a relaxed and safe environment; engage and make new friendships, diverse and exclusive. A FUN social group to bring together the Gap community of young women, retirees, new mum’s and everyone in between. To provide a platform for FRIENDSHIP, SKILL SHARING, COMPANY, LEARNING & CREATIVITY. Offering workshops, out-tings, informal social nights, special interest groups, talks and activities for women to share and enjoy; Sustainable Living, Health & Well-being, Pottery, Arts & Crafts, Basic Mechanics, Woodworking, First Aid, Financial Advising’. Karen Bessell, Founder of The Gap She Shed. Started in 2019 as a networking group to bring connectivity amongst the community. By April 2021 with over 1,200 Facebook community members, looking at incorporating in 2021. Website http://www.facebook.com/thegapsheshed: all enquiries email thegapsheshed@gmail.com |
Coolum Women’s Shed (Qld) |
2018* |
Building community amongst women of the Sunshine Coast. Open Tues & Thur s to all adult women: some evenings and weekend activities: currently approx. 300 members. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomensShed. Main Shed activities pilates, yoga & meditation, arts & crafts, vocal & guitar groups, walking , gardening DIY. Shed Contact Nell Harvey or Monita Griffiths: coolumwomensshed@gmail.com , Web wwwthewomensshed.org . Currently hiring space from a Men’s Shed (26 Research Street, Coolum Beach Queensland 4573), looking for own space. Update as below, 3 May 2022 from Nell Harvey:The Coolum Women’s Shed is running well entering our 4th year and running a range of activities from wood working to camping and kayaking. We are not open set hours, but people can access a calendar and book from our website http://www.thewomensshed.org – booking is essential as places are limited. In 2021 we established a private facebook group called ‘ The Australian Women’s Shed Community’ which was set up to allow women all over Australia to connect and help each other in the establishment of Women’s Sheds. Our 538 members consist of members of existing sheds as well as women looking for guidance in how to set up a women’s shed locally. There are a variety of structures:
* Women’s sheds formed with support from local Men’s Sheds (eg access on separate days)
* Shedless Women’s Sheds – groups of women seeking a space to use.
* Council supported Women’s Sheds – where staff, space, structure and activities are provided at low cost or free by local councils.
* Independent Women’s Sheds – where women have set up their own structure and negotiated a space to use on a permanent or semi permanent basis.
Most Women’s Sheds are non-profit organisations, some are registered charities.
In order to separate the Australian Women’s Shed Community from Coolum Women’s Shed, in April 2022 we set up a Facebook Page as a public facing page to share general information about Australian Women’s Sheds. We will be continuing to use this page to promote the value of Australian Women’s Sheds to stakeholders and the general public. We have directed people to your database and have also started a directory of Women’s Sheds so that we can begin to gather data and produce information that supports women’s sheds.
Private group to connect with other sheddies : https://www.facebook.com/groups/AustralianWomensShedCommunity
Public Facebook page : http://www.facebook.com/AusWomensSheds
More information, access to some shared resources and shed directory form : https://www.thewomensshed.org/nationalwomensshedweek.html
Email for our group : AustralianWomensShedCommunity@gmail.com
[3 May 2022] |
Noosa Women’s Shed(Queensland) |
2017* |
Held an information session and AGM 27 Oct 2019 & AGM 15 Nov 2020, Tewantin CWA Hall, Website www.noosawomensshed.com.au ‘ Incorporated in September 2018, the Noosa Women’s Shed is all about what local women want to achieve, whether it is how to use a drill, how to fix a tap or upholster a chair! We encourage all members to have a say in what is shared at the shed.’ Best email contact is noosawshed@gmail.com. Update in July 2021 from Fiona McComb: ‘We have not yet found a shed home and seem to be largely like the stats you mention on your website! Lots of initial interest that has dropped off due to no shed. We are in caretaker mode at the moment, not running many events, great committee and publicly seeking support for a shed of some kind in Noosa, temporary or permanent’.Update May 2022 from Robyn Saunders, ‘the new President of NWS after Fiona sadly passed away in October 2021. I am currently holding discussions with different community-based organisations and local councils as we attempt to become more active, while we all learn to live in the new normal of “COVID”. We have recently applied to Noosa Council for a grant to purchase a secure trailer kitted out with tools to empower and support women in the Noosa Shire and surrounds. With the Noosa Men’s Shed generously assisting us to gain the skills necessary, we intend to help members and women in the community become more confident fixing and maintaining their homes. While we continue to seek our own secure shed space, we feel the trailer will enable us to “take the tools to the women” in the interim. We currently do what we can in our temporary meeting space at 1 Ferrells Rd Cooroy (Cooroy Village) Qld. Activities such as learning how to find electrical cables & studs within a wall space, how to make native bee hotels (BeeNB 🐝😊), how to change cupboard hinges and assemble flatpacks. I am hopeful discussions in the next few weeks will be positive and I will be able to send more good news about a more permanent location/cohabitation for Noosa Women’s Shed. Best email contact Robyn Saunders noosawshed@gmail.com [May 2022] |
Bramble Bay Women’s Shed |
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On the coast just north of Brisbane: awaiting more information and contact details from organisers in Feb 2022 |
Granite Belt Ladies Shed (locally known as the ‘She Hive’) |
late 2020 * |
Glenda Riley, Founder/President, Granite Belt Community Assist Group Inc
GB Ladies Shed P: 0459 447 595 provided the following in May 2022:
‘Established in late 2020 as a response to the isolation and social needs of the women experiencing drought, bushfire and latterly pandemic stressors.
Located in Stanthorpe, Queensland we are currently based at Fred Rogers Recreation Camp, Storm King (10kms outside the town) – an 8 acre waterfront property we lease from the local council. With access to several buildings, we can offer a large range of activities and workshops in a safe inclusive space.
As a registered charity, we are a self-funded group for now, however we are exploring other options of income with branded artisan products and fundraising in the community.
We support our local community through fundraising for other groups and involvement as a group in local events. Open 2 days a week, with an option of a 3rd day in 2023 (depending on demand) we offer an affordable membership and social space where everyone is welcome.
Our member base has a diverse range of interests that we address through our Social Connections, Creative Actions, Knowledge and Wellness programs. Using a creative range of activities and interests, we empower and enable our women to become stronger, independent and socially active by having a safe and inclusive space to come to. They gain confidence and connections through the support of their peers. The list of activities for 2022 include art classes, textiles, mosaics, gardening, sustainable living practices, NIA classes, adult and Computer literacy, cyber safety, outings to local businesses and wineries, food safety, First Aid, Small furniture Restoration, Games days where we explore our inner child, hosting High Teas and a major fundraiser that will involve the community. We offer a starting place for new residents looking for new friends, and a network of like minded women to share their knowledge and interests with. While our active member base is relative small, we actively recruit members through regular awareness campaigns in local media including radio and support from council. ( The Granite Belt has a population of about 12,000 people and we are competing with a large number of small special interest groups). Our focus is on community led, solution focused peer support activities and workshops that are directed to the members interests and need of knowledge.
Enquiries: members@gbcagroup.com.au
http://www.gbcagroup.com.au [May 2022] |
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South Australia (2 Sheds) |
Playford Women’s Shed (Davoren Park, SA)
INCLUDED AS A CASE STUDY IN ‘WOMEN’S SHED WORLDWIDE’ BOOK CHAPTER, (Golding & Carragher, 2021, pp. 339-41) |
Nov 2019* |
FACEBOOK, Old Para West Adult Campus, Founder & Contact Raelene Wlochowicz 0409576003, trekkies2@outlook.com . ‘I began trying to find where women could meet and share experiences and skills, make new friendships and remain active. Originally open only 3 days a week, now open Mon- Fri, 10am to 4pm. Committee meets once a month but to begin with we met once a fortnight as we began to set up all the underlying processes and procedures. We provide classes in a wide range of activities from cooking, crafts, art, gardening and woodwork. We have an OP [Opportunity] Shop for members and we provide emergency provisions (clothes, bedding and food) for domestic violence victims and homeless women and those that are struggling to make ends meet. Each day different women prepare a meal that has a small cost attached. We connected to a food distribution program and distribute to a number of other community programs and a local Primary school. We have just begun working with a local film maker who is helping us create a 15 minute film of our Shed and those who make up its members. This will be released next year at the annual SAGA Adelaide International Women’s Film Festival here in Adelaide.’ This Shed included as a case study in Barry Golding’s 2021 book. |
Ladies Shed (Elizabeth House, Christie Downs) |
30 June 2014 * |
The ‘Woodwork Shed’ at Elizabeth House Positive Ageing Centre, 112 Elizabeth Road, Christie Downs, SA. was begun in 2002, now run by the City of Onkaparinga, including programs for people with acquired brain injury (Mon & Wed) and for frail older men, some of whom have memory loss (Tues & Thurs). On 30 June 2014 it began a Ladies Shed program. In 2020, Fridays is the Ladies Shed program day, when the ladies wear pink high vis vests. Contact person: Lui Di Venuto, Team Leader, Active Ageing and Disability Programs, Community Capacity. Elizabeth House Phone (08) 83845170. mail@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au . ‘ It began with a group of women who had completed a furniture construction foundation course at the Christies Beach High School and then had nowhere to practice their skills and approached Elizabeth House for some support’. [May 2022] |
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Western Australia (5 Sheds) see ‘Women’s Shed WA Network’ site on FACEBOOK |
North Coastal Women’s Shed (Yanchep & The Rocks, WA) |
* |
Women of all ages, fostering health and wellbeing: FACEBOOK Contact Lyn Haast info@ncws.org.au. 0430647071, Mon & Thurs 9-2, Jenolan Way Community Centre. |
Rockingham Women’s Shed (WA) |
Being developed Feb 2020 * |
Kelly Clear, key proponent. kellyclear123@hotmail.com ,. |
Perth Women’s Shed (Stirling, WA) # |
2019* |
The ‘Women Working with Wood Association’ currently operates from the Stirling Community Men’s Shed; 12 month pilot: Awaiting email contact. ABC Perth article 6 Feb 2020: [For] young boys, it was a rite of passage, to go to the shed with your dad or uncle or grandfather and they would teach you the tools — girls didn’t get that opportunity.”
More than 2,500 women have shown interest in attending new classes on car maintenance, basic plumbing and furniture restoration at one of the first women’s sheds in WA at Innaloo Bowling Club in Perth’s north. “Not all of us can rely on the fellow down the road or our brother in law or an uncle, so we want to be able to do these things ourselves,” organiser Carol Huish said. Operates from Innaloo Bowling Club. MISSING CONTACT DETAIL |
Merriwa & Ellenbrook Women’s Shed (20 km NE of Perth. (WA) |
Inaugural meeting June 2019, Under construction 2020 * |
Mission to Empower Women’: MISSING CONTACT DETAIL |
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Victoria (9 Sheds) |
Women’s Shed Seymour (Vic) |
Open 1 June 2016* |
‘Somewhere safe and warm for women to go, have a cuppa, chat and share skills’: Amanda 0431193204 Dale sheahans@bigpond.com 0408035741 open every Wed, Seymour Presbyterian Church Hall. |
Women’s Shed of Victoria (Vic): Organisation, not a Shed? |
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Incorporated Association (13 May 2016) via Broadford Community Centre, Twitter @womensshedvic MISSING CONTACT DETAIL |
The Frankston Centre Women’s Shed (Vic) |
December 2016 * |
Orwil Street Community House: Georgina Portelli Coordinator, MISSING CONTACT DETAIL |
Women’s Sharing Shed (Torquay, Vic) |
2016* Active but closed during COVID Reopened 2021 |
‘An inclusive, safe and welcoming environment where knowledge and ideas are respectfully shared’ Facebook @womenssharingshedtorquay. Phone 0421995684, Kath Kidd (Founder & Coordinator). ‘The Women’s Sharing Shed Torquay offers a place to meet other like-minded women to share wisdom, experience and a cuppa. Women of all ages can come along to learn traditional and non-traditional skills, perhaps work on their own project of their choosing, contribute to a shared project or maybe sit around the table and share stories, anecdotes and support each other. There is no pressure or expectations. Be who you want to be, just be. Workshops are regularly held off and on site as well as Shed members meeting every week at the Shed’. MISSING EMAIL ADDRESS |
Creswick Women’s Shed (Vic) |
2022* |
operating Wednesdays from 10am at the Creswick Men’s Shed, above Botanical Lake: awaiting more information. [May 2022] |
Hills She Shed, Emerald (Vic) |
2016 * |
FACEBOOK, MISSING CONTACT DETAIL |
Healesville Women’s Shed(Vic) Course not Shed |
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An ‘introduction to carpentry’, one term course of approx. 8-9 weeks offered in two big sheds with a trainer, through Healesville Living and Learning Centre, jmccarthy@hllc.org.au |
Lilydale Women’s Shed(Vic)
Event only
‘NOT a Women’s Shed’ |
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FACEBOOK, Mt Evelyn Community House , Nicky Condell, Manager: reception@mtevelynch.com.au , 03 97361177. ‘We ran the Lilydale Women’s Shed event as part of the Mt Evelyn Community House, a day to engage with women in our local community in partnership with Yarra Ranges Council. We don’t currently have an active Women’s Shed. However we do run many workshops and classes that women who had engaged on the day attend. We run a variety of classes including, art, craft, social group, women’s health workshops, colouring social group, Girls night in, International Women’s Day event, cooking workshops , Yoga and Tai Chi social groups on social media. We are still looking at ways to run a Women’s Shed in our community’. |
The Women’s Shed, Mount Martha (Vic) |
approx 2010* |
Merrilyn Wiley, Coordinator, wiley1@netspace.net.au , 03 59744072, ‘Time out for women of all ages’, ‘We started approximately 20 years ago in Mornington Victoria Australia. It was originally called ‘Kit Kat’, as the aim was to provide a time out for mums with pre-schoolers. This caused a problem as the name was already patented We ran a competition among the women to come up with a name, that still represented our image, Hence The Woman’s Shed. Our image underwent a big change 10 years ago when we found mums of pre-schoolers had a lot of other options and we found more and more couple retiring down our way and the need changed to older women. We are still going today. We meet every Wed from 9.30-1130am in school term. Our program is planned for the whole term and includes speakers on relevant topics, crafts etc. We average about 20 woman each week, ages ranging from 50 – 90. One of our main aims is to offer friendship and a support system for our women that some. Also we try to get our speaker and workshops to deal with issues our women are facing.‘ |
The She Shed (Ocean Grove, Vic) |
NOT ESTABLISHED |
FACEBOOK, Aim 2019 ‘Connect, learn, grow, share, heal, cry, laugh, be’. Not proceeded with or established. |
Shepparton Women’s Shed Association (Vic) |
* |
FACEBOOK, 03 58215770, social club in Shepparton North; address 10-14 Parkside Drive, MISSING CONTACT DETAIL |
“Kookaburra Girls” Shed (Werribee) (Vic) |
2017 * |
Hosted by Wyndham Park Community Centre, Werribee Community Shed FACEBOOK 03 87426448 LM, held Open Shed Day with Werribee Men’s Shed Sept 2017 MISSING CONTACT DETAIL |
Castlemaine Women’s Shed (Vic) |
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FACEBOOK, an idea, late 2019, MISSING CONTACT DETAIL |
Torquay Women’s Shed |
active in 2022 |
Cindy Powers reports in Feb 2022 that ‘the Torquay Women’s Shed is currently auspices by the Torquay Community House but it is going to incorporate soon. contact via Torquay Community House, 14 Price Street, Torquay, Victoria 3228. 03 5261 2583 or Cindy Powers 0437620450. MISSING EMAIL CONTACT |
Beechworth Women’s Shed (Vic) |
Incorporated Association since 2017* |
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WomensShedBeechworth . Contact Margy Barwood, President: ‘We have struggled for recognition since our incorporation in Feb 2017. Our main problem is acquiring a public space to meet & work. For over 2 years I have given the members free space in my private garage. If our council for the Indigo Shire, Victoria was more supportive our Shed would grow 10 fold without doubt. Our local Men’s Shed has their own space and receives ongoing support. Not so with our Women’s Shed. The men also refuse to allow us access to their space. We have our equipment, tools etc but no community space to invite new members. I find it difficult to receive complete strangers on my property for security reasons. The response for Council assistance to date has been ignored other than a very small, shared space we tried for about 5 months. It did not work as we could not leave our equipment out. All of our furniture, tool boxes, fold up tables & consumables had to locked away after every workshop into a very tiny toilet & wash area that was not even big enough to get a wheel chair in. Our members are mainly seniors some with disabilities and this was beyond us. Rather than create conflict in our small town we moved everything out of the 1950’s building and carted it all to my private garage. My driveway is very steep so it is not age friendly. This has worked as a temporary solution but we are on the look out for a more suitable space. Whilst it is our desire to grow our Association, we now have to be realistic to each other and ask if it is worth continuing.’ Original aim ‘Up cycle, DIY & creative projects designed to foster kinship with local women for social fulfilment. BWS promotes self-dependence, confidence and resilience within our rapidly changing environment’. |
Tasmania (1) |
Central Coast Community Shed: Ladies Group (Ulverstone) (Tasmania) Ladies only group in Community Shed: INCLUDED AS A Tasmanian Men’s Shed CASE STUDY IN ‘AUSTRALIAN MEN’S SHED’, Book Chapter, Shoulder to Shoulder: Broadening the Men’s Shed Movement‘ Book, 2021 |
* |
FACEBOOK, Tues 1-3, Melissa Budgeon 03 94298959, melissa.budgeon@centralcoast.tas.gov.au An afternoon for ladies of any age, improve skills and knowledge in woodworking, learn to use tools and machinery correctly/safely, try a small project – work up something bigger; fun. friendly and informative program just for Ladies’. |
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TABLE 2: NEW ZEALAND (5)
Name of Shed (Location) |
Established |
Publicly available information |
Sheila’s in the Shed, Kawerau (Bay of Plenty) |
2017 * |
FACEBOOK, 10 Aug 2017, Founders Tracey & Anne ‘believe the disposable economy we live in can’t sustain itself and want the Sheilas’ Shed to be not only a creative hub, but also a place where people can learn to make life easier for themselves by learning new skills. Was operating from the founders’ homes, a funding application had been submitted and, if successful, would allow the Sheila’s Shed to set up shop in Kawerau’s old Post Office building’. Had open day March 2018 at 2 Ranfurly Court (old PO) Listed under ‘Groups & clubs in Kawerau’, for updated details contact Kawerau I-Siteinfocentre@kaweraudc.govt.nz |
DIY Shed, Central Rotorua 7-11 Dinsdale Street, Mangakakahi, Rotorua 3015 |
[Originally established as ‘Women’s Shed Rotorua’], 2017*; Proposed start of ‘DIY Shed Rotorua,’ 23 Jan 2021 |
Formerly known as ‘Women’s Shed Rotorua’, but moved away from using ‘Women’ in the name to DIY Sheds, because of unhelpful comparisons that can be made between ‘Women’s Sheds’ and ‘Men’s Sheds. Set up by DIY Shed Aotearoa Charitable Trust: a national body whose primary role is to support building sheds to serve their communities well.” Contact – Jocelyn Jacobs (Founder & Chairperson) Email diybop@gmail.com FACEBOOK:www.facebook.com/DIY-Shed-Rotorua-917575541723492/
UPDATE from Jocelyn Jacobs, August 2022: ‘Our direction has changed and we’ve become more inclusive, accepting women and men 15 years and older. We’ve had a lot of interest from community groups looking for programs like ours for their clients in Rotorua and Tauranga. And all of these community groups have approached the Mens Sheds being turned away or their clients who were allowed to go felt unwelcome.
Rotorua – we’re looking for another building with a proposed move in date 01 November with the potential to be open 5 – 6 days a week offering separate sessions for women, men, mixed or specialist groups.
Tauranga – we’ve been at the Tauranga Mens Shed for three months Monday and Tuesday nights building our profile and membership during the hours when the men aren’t there. Again the same potential as in Rotorua working with community groups and locals using a purpose building serving the wider community.
[Update 22 Aug 2022] |
DIY Shed, Tauranga DIY Shed, Tauranga Proposed Start, 13 February 2021 *Proposed second Shed established by DIY Shed Aotearoa Charitable Trust, see above:. Contact -Jocelyn Jacobs (Founder & Chairperson), diybop@gmail.com
MISSING WEBSITE DETAIL |
Proposed Start, 13 February 2021 * |
Proposed second Shed established by DIY Shed Aotearoa Charitable Trust, see Aug 2022 update, above. Contact -Jocelyn Jacobs (Founder & Chairperson), diybop@gmail.com
MISSING WEBSITE DETAIL |
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ALSO IN NZ:Womenz Shed Central Auckland, started 2022 http://www.womenzhed.org supported by Auckland Central Community Shed. Updated June 2022 contacts: web: womenzshed.org; ig. womenzshed; fb. womenzshed.org
m. 027 375 9662. ‘Our first workshop, called ‘An Introduction to the Wood Workshop’, began in March 2022 – it’s a series of 5 x 2 hour workshops held over 5 weeks. Our women instructors run workshops rather than just a Membership program as we’ve found many women haven’t had the same opportunity as men to learn and often lack the confidence to have a go with a project without support.
WomenzShed runs separately to, but within the premises of, Auckland Central Community Shed who lease the building from Auckland Council. Whilst the community Shed also has women members (this was a requirement of their lease), not all women want to work alongside men and so a women only space helps to fill that need. The Shed premises have a large well equipped wood workshop as well as an engineering workshop, welding shop and technical room. There is also an office space and fully equipped kitchen. The organisation is a not-for-profit and we are working on the Trust Deed to make it a registered charity. This is important to help with funding and sponsorship. We aim to be self-sustaining. Our instructors are paid for from workshop income and we aim to hire a part-time administrator so the Trustees can concentrate on growing the Charity.Our initial focus is workshop provision and a Membership base aimed at women in all stages of their lives. Our future plans include being able to support women interested in going into trades (school leavers and career changers) and tiny house workshops. We are also keen to collaborate with other women’s sheds and support new ones to be established. [June 2022] |
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Thames Menz & Women Shed created June 2021: awaiting further information [May 2022] |
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