Women's Shed / Kookaburra Girls
A Dedicated Session for Women at the Shed
The Women’s Shed runs every Monday from 9am to 3pm at Wyndham Park Community Shed, 57a Kookaburra Avenue Werribee. The session was established after many women in the community expressed interest in learning the same hands-on skills traditionally associated with Men’s Sheds, but in an environment where they could learn at their own pace and feel comfortable asking questions.
Women of all ages and backgrounds attend the sessions, with many retirees as well as younger women looking to develop practical skills they can use for repairs and projects at home. Beginners are always welcome, and many participants join with little or no prior experience using tools.
Learning Practical Skills
Every Monday, members work in the woodwork and metalwork areas, as well as on creative craft projects throughout the Shed. Most members focus on personal projects, using the workshop facilities and equipment to build or repair items they may not have the tools or space for at home.
The projects they choose vary from simple repairs to more creative and decorative builds. Some participants bring items from home to fix, like repairing broken stools in the woodwork area, while others create new pieces such as wooden planter boxes. Tanya in the metalwork area has even developed intricate sculptures using everyday utensils such as forks, butter knives and spoons.
Sharing Skills, Connection, and Community
A strong part of the Women’s Shed program is the sharing of skills between members. Participants often learn from one another while working on their projects, and experienced volunteers from the Community Shed are also on hand to assist.
Members such as Peter Vaux and Iain Donaldson in the woodwork area, along with Gabe in metalwork, help guide participants in learning how to safely use tools and develop new techniques. With this support, our Women’s Shed members can build confidence using equipment and gain skills they may not previously have had the opportunity to learn.
Like many activities at the Community Shed, the Women’s Shed is about more than just the projects being made. Throughout the day, members share a cuppa and chat around the kitchen table. These simple moments provide an opportunity to share stories, exchange ideas, and enjoy each other’s company. For many women, the sessions offer both the satisfaction of learning practical skills and the chance to build friendships and feel part of a welcoming community.
