Who’s Who in 2022, Inspiring People: Wendy McHugh

A new community group specially designed to help women create new friendships and learn new skills started in the Moreton Bay Region in 2022.

The Moreton Bay Women’s Shed is designed to help provide a stimulating and inclusive community where women of all ages can meet new friends, learn new skills and share their passions and ideas.

President Wendy McHugh has helped the group grow into a thriving not-for-profit by overseeing the monthly meetings and helping to organise an array of activities for members to enjoy.

About Wendy McHugh

Wendy McHugh is the President of the Moreton Bay Women’s Shed – a not-for-profit organisation that started in early 2022.

The Moreton Bay Women’s Shed provides a stimulating and inclusive environment where women of all ages can make new friends, learn new skills, and share their ideas and passions with others.

The Women’s Shed was started in the wake of COVID-19 restriction and lockdowns, to help women who were feeling isolated and disconnected from the community.

Wendy said it was important to have a safe space where women could feel relaxed and comfortable because “during COVID, a lot of women lost friendships and their mental health really struggled”.

The group’s first meeting was held on April 7, before it became fully incorporated on June 10.

Wendy was originally elected as the group’s Secretary but stepped into the role of President in mid-2022 when the first two presidents stepped down from the role due to other commitments.

As President, Wendy oversees the running of the group and activities.

The group has established an array of regular events where members and guests meet up and socialise.

These include a Create and Chat afternoon, where members bring along something creative they are working on and chat with the other ladies, as well as playing cards and board games, card making, dance classes and more.

Members of the Moreton Bay Women’s Shed also attend regular workshops and activities at Bunnings through their DIY workshops and activities.

The group is open to anyone over the age of 18 years, with yearly memberships costing $60 - which includes attending monthly meetings and planned activities.

Wendy hopes to see more women join the Moreton Bay Women’s Shed in the future, saying “we want to invite women of all ages to be involved and have those intergenerational relationships”.

The group has their own shed at the Pine Rivers Showground, but also meets at various cafes and restaurants across the region.

The Moreton Bay Women’s Shed is also active on Facebook and Instagram as a way of attracting new members.