Serena Kirby, Denmark Bulletin
The Denmark Men’s Shed now has more women than men using its facilities.
Every Tuesday and Friday the shed is taken over by Women’s Shed members and there’s been no shortage of women wanting to get on the tools to build, repair and repurpose a wide range of items.
Women’s Shed president Shelley Nottle said recently the 60th woman had signed and she expected numbers to increase. Shelley said the Women’s Shed was not just about using tools and equipment but also about teaching women how to be more independent.
“There’s a lot of women who either don’t have a husband or support person at home for all manner of reasons and may not have the right tools or knowledge to do all their own little jobs around the home,” Shelley said. “It’s very satisfying to be able to fix or build something yourself.”
Men’s shed now a shared space
Recent projects by the women have included building and restoring dining tables, coffee tables, antique clocks, children’s toys as well as making possum and cockatoo boxes.
The members are also restoring chairs for a local cafe and making honour boards for the Denmark Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service.
Shelley said several members from the Men’s Shed come to the women’s days to help instruct the women on power tools and machine handling and to provide advice.
The Women’s Shed also has two female workshop supervisors to help keep everyone safe.
“We do have ladies that have their own sheds and machinery equipment at home, but they still come into the Women’s Shed because of the social aspect of it,” Shelley said.
“Working together on things creates a really supportive environment and reduces loneliness and isolation.”
The Women’s Shed charges a small annual membership fee and anyone interested in joining can call in to the shed on Tuesdays or Fridays or contact Shelley Nottle on 0498 236 844.
This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 21 March 2024.
