Women's Shed helps create new friendships and lifelong skills

Above:  Members of the Moreton Bay Women's Shed at the recent Pine Rivers Show, where they held a successful cake and bake stall. 

Ladies who are looking to meet new people and try their hand at a wide range of activities and workshops are being encouraged to join a new social group that has started in Moreton Bay.

The Moreton Bay Women’s Shed has been designed to provide a stimulating and inclusive community where women of all ages can make new friendships, support one another, learn new skills and share their passions with others.

The group has access to a shed at the Pine Rivers Showground, and also meet at various locations throughout the Pine Rivers Region for catchups and activities.

Moreton Bay Women’s Shed President Wendy McHugh says many women were keen to reconnect with their community following COVID lockdowns and changes in their personal lives.

“During COVID, a lot of women lost friendships and their mental health really struggled,” Wendy says.

“For many women, it was a very trying time because they couldn’t interact and see a lot of people like they used to.

“A lot of women also left their jobs and retired, meaning they didn’t have those networks anymore.”

Above: Lots of new friendships are being formed by members of the Moreton Bay Women's Shed. 

A brief history of the group

The idea to start the group came from Jeanette Murray, who called the first meeting on April 7, 2022, and started the process of establishing an incorporated association for the Moreton Bay Women’s Shed.

She was the group’s first President but resigned on May 9.

Louise Ruyg then stepped up to the plate to become President and helped the shed to grow by creating a well-known presence on social media. Louise then stood down on July 9 as she was unable to meet the demands of her growing business enterprise and just enjoy being a member.

Wendy, who was the group’s secretary from the start, is now leading the charge.

The group was officially incorporated on June 10 and the hire agreement of the shed at the Pine Rivers Showground commenced on August 1 (which is located to the rear of the showgrounds on 757 Gympie Rd, Lawnton).

“The Pine Rivers Showgrounds Committee have been extremely supportive of our purpose and engagement,” Wendy says.

The group currently has five committee members - two women who work full time, another who enjoys her time volunteering with other community organisations, and two retirees.

Above: The Moreton Bay Women's Shed recently attended a workshop at Bunnings Brendale.

Upcoming events and workshops

Wendy says the next few weeks and months are going to be a hive of activity, with 25 activities and workshops scheduled.

“One of the activities will be a Create or Chat event, where you can bring along something you are making and just chat with the other ladies,” Wendy says.

“One of the ladies is also starting up a scrabble group that will start on Wednesday, September 7.

“There will also be workshops like making your own tote bag, paint and sip at the shed in early October, and then another one of our members is offering to do a workshop where she will teach you how to transfer a photograph onto a candle.

“We have also done one workshop at Bunnings in Brendale, and we will be talking with the activities officer at Bunnings Lawnton to see if we can work out a program for us.

“Some of the members talked about wanting to learn more about doing things around the house, like how to use different types of equipment such as drills and saws.

“Another workshop that I think will be of interest will be about doing things in the garden.”

Buddy Brunches are also another fun idea the group has planned.

“We are doing a monthly Buddy Brunch where women can get together and have a few laughs and meet some more buddies,” Wendy says.

The next Buddy Brunch will be held at the shed on Saturday, August 20 from 10am-12pm. A general meeting will also start at 10.30am.

How to join

Membership to the Moreton Bay Women’s Shed costs $60 and includes attending monthly meetings and planned activities.

Memberships are open for anyone over the age of 13 and there is also a concession membership for people who have a concession card, as well as a family membership option.

“We want to invite women of all ages to be involved and have those intergenerational relationships,” Wendy says.

For more information about the Moreton Bay Women’s Shed, follow them on Facebook or Instagram. The group is hoping to have a dedicated website up and running soon.

You can also contact the group by emailing [email protected]