Women looking to up-skill, socialise or gain confidence are set to benefit as the Schrinner Council throws open the doors to its first Women’s Shed at Ferny Grove.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the shed had already signed up almost 50 members who were excited to get into the space and work on projects including home improvements, wood working, furniture repairs, hobbies, and craft.
“After announcing the Women’s Shed in June when I handed down the Budget, we’ve received overwhelming interest from the community wanting to participate in the program,” Cr Schrinner said.
“This program is an evolution of Men’s Sheds, which we’ve supported since 2008 and our $219,000 investment in women’s sheds this financial year will be a starting point to ensure women too have a space to come together.
“Brisbane’s first Women’s Shed to be supported by Council is located at the Brisbane Tramway Museum, which also houses a Men’s Shed so it’s already equipped with 12 workspaces and a wide range of timber and metal work power tools, welding and wood turning machines, just to name a few.
“The Brisbane Tramway Museum lease their community facility from Council and have opened their doors to support both sheds.
“Members don’t need to have any prior experience with wood or metal work as they will be trained on site with the support of the Men’s Shed members and talented women from within the community.
“Eventually, the Women’s Shed will transition to a position where members of the shed will be able to train and support one another.”
Cr Schrinner said programs like the women’s shed provide multiple benefits for members.
“What’s really great about this initiative is it provides a safe place for members of all backgrounds and walks of life to connect through activity so already, it’s helping address social isolation and loneliness,” he said.
“It’s also a great way to boost mental health by building confidence and creating a sense of purpose and belonging.”
The Gap Ward Councillor Steve Toomey said he was excited to have Brisbane’s first Women’s Shed in the The Gap.
“All Tradies are hard wired to share our skills and pass them on and that is exactly what the Women’s Shed is about: building skills and knowledge through project based learning,” Cr Toomey said.
“The members will learn how to use power tools, hand tools and other floor based machinery with in a safe and creative space.
“I’m very excited to pass on some of the skills I learnt during my time as a tradesmen to the members and I hope they will be happy to have me come along.”
Council’s Community Development Coordinators support 22 Men’s Shed groups with capacity building across the city and $64,862.18 was provided in funding to Men’s Sheds in 2019/20.
The Schrinner Council has committed $219,000 in 2021-22 to support the establishment and growth of Women’s Sheds in Brisbane with plans for another project in Camp Hill underway.