Shed West Community Men's Shed Inc

Shed West Community Men's Shed Inc is a nonprofit organization based in Kenmore Hills, a western suburb of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It operates as a community facility dedicated to serving men of all ages by providing a safe, welcoming, and creative environment for personal development, social interaction, and skill sharing.

Overview

Shed West offers a diverse range of activities primarily focused on woodworking, wood turning, metalworking, and other manual crafts. In addition to these core activities, the shed supports learning in computing skills, leatherwork, pyrography, and laser cutting. Social activities such as card playing sessions, guest speaker seminars, community project involvement, and regular BBQs foster camaraderie and community engagement among its approximately 150 members.

Programs and Activities

Members at Shed West can participate in:

• Woodworking, toy making, wood carving, and wood turning.
• Metalwork and vehicle restoration.
• Computing and digital skills.
• Leatherwork and pyrography (wood burning).
• Card playing and social sessions.
• Guest speaker events covering a variety of topics.
• Community projects involving making or renovating equipment for other local organizations.
• Monthly BBQ gatherings and daily morning tea to encourage socialization.

The organization encourages members to share their skills with others and pursue individual or collaborative projects.

Community Engagement

Shed West supports local community organizations by assisting in projects requiring craftsmanship and renovation. Members are actively involved in helping these groups, enhancing the shed’s role as a community resource.

Regular meetings include a weekly session at the Brisbane City Council Library in Kenmore where members meet for guest speaker presentations followed by social refreshments. The organization holds an Annual General Meeting each September to elect the management committee and discuss strategic directions.

Governance and Registration

Shed West Community Men's Shed Inc is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and holds Australian Business Number (ABN) 38 009 395 013. It operates within the guidelines and reporting requirements mandated by Australian charitable regulations.

Purpose and Mission

The shed’s core mission is to provide men with opportunities for skill development, social interaction, improved well-being, and community participation in a supportive environment. Through its programs, Shed West aims to reduce social isolation, promote mental and physical health, and build lasting friendships among men in the Brisbane western suburbs.

Shed West exemplifies the wider Men's Shed movement in Australia, which is dedicated to men's health and social engagement through shared activities and community involvement.

[1] https://mensshed.org/sheds/shed-west-community-shed-inc/ [2] https://shedwest.com [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/42f69bf3-39af-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/42f69bf3-39af-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d/people [5] https://shedwest.com/about-us