Celebrating Men's Sheds

ALONGSIDE a program of traditional "shed" content - including shed operations, tool workshops and men's health - delegates from as far afield as Iceland will come together at the 8th National Men's Shed Gathering to recognise and celebrate the outstanding Men's Sheds.

The biennial National Men's Shed Awards are an initiative of the Australian Men's Shed Association (AMSA) to recognise Men's Sheds across five key categories, including innovation as well as those who go above and beyond in their contributions to the community.

"Men's Sheds all do great things. Our National Men's Shed Awards are an opportunity for us to celebrate the very special or unique achievements of Men's Sheds," said David Helmers, Australian Men's Shed Association Executive Officer.

Menshed Wagga Wagga was 2017 Shed of the Year.

In 2017, Peter Quinane, the President of Menshed Wagga Wagga (NSW) was on hand at the 7th National Men's Shed Conference to accept their award for Shed of Year.

Menshed Wagga Wagga started as an idea in 2009, and now has a membership of over 150.

The shed was all but completely destroyed by fire in 2011, but in 2013 was rebuilt to become even bigger and better than the original with the support of the local council and other Men's Sheds nationwide.

"Our shed is the sum of all members and their abilities plus a generosity in sharing anything and everything we can," said Peter.

Menshed Wagga Wagga offers a vast array of activities, including the usual suspects of woodwork and metalwork plus gardening, bee keeping, leadlighting, recycling, a 2000+ book library, photography and fermented beverage appreciation to name but a few. The shed is deeply entrenched in the Wagga Wagga community.

The 2019 Award recipients will be announced at the Gathering's Gala Dinner at Glenelg Surf Club on Wednesday, September 11, which will also feature entertainment from comedian Anthony Ackroyd and poet Murray Hartin.

2019 Award Nominations close Friday, August 9. More information can be found HERE

The 8th National Men's Shed Gathering will be held at Morphettville Racecourse (Adelaide, South Australia), 10-12 September 2019. Visit the Conference Website HERE for more information.

2017 National Men's Shed Award Recipients:

Shed of the Year - Menshed Wagga Wagga (NSW)

Unique Recycling Activity - Tintinara Men's Shed (SA)

Unusual Shed Activity - Benalla Indoor Aviation Group & Men's Shed (VIC)

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