June 2026 Community Repair Cafe and Made-local markets
2026 AMSA Shed Awards recognise the positive impacts of Mens Sheds
AMSA – 2026 National Conference – Awards
I was honoured to represent Hawker Men’s Shed at the national Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) conference in Brisbane in March.
Over 200 delegates from sheds around the country attended, the event also attracting visitors from the USA, Canada and New Zealand. The conference theme, Building Healthy Communities, was brought home in so many ways through presentations, site visits and a range of sponsors who enjoy a long-term relationship with the Association.
Conference headquarters were at the Royal on the Park – a late sixties remnant of Brisbane’s earlier days opposite the city’s magnificent botanic gardens. Proximity to the meandering Brisbane river was brought home in the foyer where a water level marker high up on the wall brought back memories of the disastrous 1974 floods. That ominous reminder didn’t seem to faze several diehards who occupied nearby couches late in the evening imbibing drinks that looked like milkshakes but weren’t.
Organisation was a joint effort from the AMSA national secretariat and the Queensland Men’s Shed Association – and it was a sterling affair.
It was impossible to take in their entirety the spread of presentations so, as a solo operator, I spent considerable time dashing around the programme looking more for the flavour of events. Suffice to say each delivered significant food for thought, dwelling on issues as diverse as leadership and community inclusion, all aspects of health, retaining membership and adapting to changing demographics.
All presentations are available are available via this link.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TiYHjS8n2h3WOI-tHNJoJxmAafAE3Dx9
A significant announcement came from Dan Repacholi, MP for Hunter and Special Envoy for Men’s Health highlighting federal funding for the shed movement.
Included in the government’s $32 million commitment to men’s health, $8.3 million has been set aside for the Men’s Shed National Development Program where grants are available for Men’s Sheds to apply for upgrades for their facilities.
As one might expect from the conference theme, inclusion and mental and physical health issues were high on the agenda, as were working with younger people, dispute and conflict resolution, governance and broader community collaboration.
The latter was brought home during a visit to the Carina Men’s Shed, part of an extensive community centre established on Brisbane’s southside at the behest of former Lord Mayor Clem Jones. The shed exists alongside community, games and sporting organisations, playing fields, clubs and retail outlets on a site covering several hectares. It owes its existence to Jones who promoted the concept in the early days of the suburb’s development; we in Canberra might be hard pressed to persuade a government/council to set aside such an area unless it occurred on a greenfields site.
Visiting sheds round Brisbane brought home the reality that Hawker and others in our part of the world are tiny by comparison. The Wynnum Manly shed on the southern shores of Moreton Bay has separate sheds for a range of pursuits – four overlooking the water when we were there with another due for delivery. Seventy five of us sat down to an excellent barbecue lunch in their dining hall – and no, not a Bunnings sausage in sight.
Hawker could take some pride in amongst some pretty heavy competition in reaching the finals in two of the award categories. Recently arrived member Bob Quodling’s Outback Grave Markers caught the attention of the judges, as did our well tried Repair Café initiative. Sadly we failed at the last hurdle but our near neighbour Belconnen, represented on the night by Gordon Cooper and Claudio Illero took out the Healthy Shed, Healthy Blokes award. Belconnen works in strengthening men’s mental health through initiatives like Shed Nights and Focused Blokes, where shared meals and honest conversations create a safe space for men to talk about life’s challenges. By partnering with experts from the Australian National University, the Shed is building meaningful connections and delivering practical, evidence-based support for men’s wellbeing in the community.
There was a lot packed into three days. Those of us who opted to visit Carbatec’s new Brisbane headquarters at Belmont were blown away. Leaving the mouthwatering display of equipment on the showroom floor – not to mention a selection of native and exotic woods that defied description (and warranted hijacking) – we were shown the ins and outs of the company’s warehousing and ordering/consignment operation. Equipment is stacked on multi-level racking three storeys high, most of it imported and packaged to meet the company’s exacting standards. A small team handles hundreds of orders a day which are picked up by a twice daily transport service for consignment to purchasers.
Carbatec has serious clout. Apart from the quality of the packaging the company insists on to ensure shipments arrive in Australia in perfect condition, a small team assesses potential new additions to the range of equipment the company sells. This can mean a piece of equipment undergoing evaluation and return to a manufacturer with suggested improvements – until it meets Carbatec standards.
For me, one of the standout presentations considered the issues of working with young people, highly relevant as the shed movement considers the ageing demographic of so many of its members – and the need to attract some younger thinkers. Wayne Grant from Newcastle and Ken Reither from Gisborne discussed mentoring and skill sharing with high school aged kids. Intergenerational stuff so important as elder shedders strive to pass on skills and knowledge in danger of being forgotten. I asked the question whether these initiatives could count as recognition of prior learning on the road to an apprenticeship – sadly no at this stage but an issue I believe warrants consideration as the length of apprenticeships quite often dissuade young people from carrying through to achieve a qualification.
Dayboro men’s shed had us looking at our weight, girth and fitness with a presentation of its Mobility Action Plan – a five part program designed for involvement both at shed gatherings and at member’s homes. Issues like strength and muscular endurance, flexibility and balance are both in-shed and at-home components essential for us as we age. It’s significant that Dayboro – on the outskirts of Brisbane – has a health and wellness officer in the form of Dr Rod Edwards.
We all know that where you get a bunch of blokes from many different backgrounds, there is the potential for conflict. This and conflict resolution was the bailiwick of clinical psychologist Dr John Barletta from the Maleny shed on the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Listening, anger management and early intervention were all areas we were exhorted to observe … that was when we weren’t hooting with laughter at John’s observations. He definitely should go on the road!
So many compelling points of view … awareness and avoidance of scams, getting your affairs in order, access and inclusion in diversity – and more.
The event wound up at the end of the third day as former Australian commando Mark Squirrel recounted his work in conflict zones and humanitarian crisis points … and he climbed Mount Everest in his spare time. Maybe that sort of stuff is for younger shed members – but inspiring all the same.
Dinner and the awards ceremony – a fitting end to a great get-together. Finalists and award winners are available via the following link.
https://mensshed.org/shed-community/shed-awards/
Entertainment by John Paul Young ably assisted on the keys by Warren Morgan who, for those yet to pass 80, played with Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs.
The next AMSA get together in two years will be in the Hunter region – actual venue yet to be announced but, if this year’s event is anything to go by, it will be a cracker.
Rob Gill – Hawker Men’s Shed Inc
Gravestones, burial sites restored at Christ Church, Cooma
One of our members, Bob Quadling is driving this initiative to restore grave sites and headstones to maintain the rich pioneering history in Cooma’s oldest cemetery is underway. Read the story:
https://www.monaropost.com.au/news/gravestones-burial-sites-restored-at-christ-church-cooma-h6n9ga9y
RUOK Conversation Convoy
Hawker Men’s Shed had the honour of attending the RUOK? Conversation Convoy event at Government House in March.
Jon Wells was privileged to represent the Shed, especially as only two Men’s Sheds from the region were invited to take part.
The session was incredibly informative, and we’re hopeful that RUOK? will join a local Men’s Shed cluster meeting later this year to continue the conversation around mental health and support in our community. (More details to come closer to the event.)
For those who don’t know, the RUOK? Conversation Convoy is a motorhome converted into a private one-on-one meeting space, supported by three additional vehicles. The team travels around regional Australia offering a safe place for people to talk, connect, and access support. In many cases, these conversations truly help save lives. The convoy and its operations are proudly supported by Audi Australia.
A special moment was meeting some of the people driving this important work, including:
• Lachlan Searle – Board Member & CEO, RUOK?
• Beth Gow – Shed Support Officer, Australian Men’s Shed Association (NSW/ACT)
• Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC – Governor-General of Australia
• Jon Wells – Hawker Men’s Shed Inc.
A great initiative supporting conversations that matter. 💛
March Community Repair Cafe and Made-local markets Report
Our quarterly marquee event continues to grow and as a result, the Hawker Men’s Shed wishes to genuinely thank our excellent team of volunteers, repairers (also volunteers) and market stall holders who attend.
A huge thank you to all those who attend to bring in items for repair, browse our markets stalls or just have a refreshment and chat.
March 2026 Community Repair Cafe and Made-local markets
September Community Repair Cafe and Made-local markets Report
Here’s a snapshot of the September events at the Hawker Mens Shed. Thank you to all our volunteers for your work and a huge thanks for everyone supported our September events.
September Community Repair Cafe and Made-local markets
Here are some of the amazing art that will be available this weekend.
New Garage Takes Shape
“The Hawker Men’s Shed” was very generously donated a double garage in 2022. Due to the opportunity that arose from receiving a $50,000 grant from the Snow Foundation for a new workshop and community room soon afterwards, the re-construction of the garage was put on hold.
The members finally got to put their combined skills together yesterday to commence construction with the frame suitably adjusted to raise the height and it now stands alone.
The garage will be used predominantly to store the materials and equipment for our repair cafes and markets plus a dedicated space for items awaiting repair.
We hope, all going well, the slab and sheeting will be completed within weeks.”
Meet Jeeperz Creaturez
The Hawker Men’s Shed’s marquee community event, The Hawker Community Repair Cafe and “Made Local” markets are now having in excess of 25 market stalls in attendance. One of our recent additions is Jeeperz Creaturez from Bungendore who creates fantastic sculptures from scrap metal. This is a recent article from Region of the background story of the creator, Tim Hodgson. Come and see him at our next repair cafe and markets on Sunday 21 September.
https://region.com.au/jeeperz-creaturez-brings-whimsical-welding-to-bungendores-old-joinery-lane/881101/: NEWS AND LATEST UPDATESHawker Men’s Shed opening – 3rd May 2025
Thank you to everyone who came to the Art and Craft Show & Made-local Market on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May 2025.
And a special thank you to our donors and sponsors. Your considerable support made the construction of the new shed possible and allowed us to open it in style!
Celebrate with us as we officially open our new shed
Festivities include an exciting Art and Craft Show & Made-local Market
Weekend of 3rd and 4th May 2025
Hawker Men’s Shed is celebrating its opening of its new shed with art and craft show and local made markets:
When: Sat 3rd and Sun 4th May 2025
Times: 9.30am to 3.30pm (both days)
Where: Hawker International Softball Centre, Walhallow Street, Hawker. ACT
The show will have exhibits and items from local exhibitors for sale from:
- Artworks, Photos, Sculptures (Stone / metal), Glass, Pottery, Leather, Jewellery, Textiles including (cottons, woollen, quilts, lace)
- A signed cricket bat from Alan Border.
Exhibits will be available for sale on a live auction bidding process or fixed price as advertised.
| Exhibitor Listing | ||
| Art | Craft | Other |
| Chan Dissanayake Sally Black Sarah Richards Jenny Mason Jenny Blake Caroline Deeble Fiona Payne Isla Patterson Suan Trudinger Helen De Jong Tim Hardy Mark Redzic Claire Mackey Marion Schumacher Eva Henry Jean Pretorius Sukhvinder Saggu Rob Usback Nathan Kellet Photography Jo Mason Photography Hannah Gill Photography | Dianna Smith – Woolen Scarves Yvonne Kilgour – Quilts Anne Toat – Crochet Lisa Molvig – Weaving Canberra Glassworks – Glass Blowers Judi Witherdin – Glass Mark Seagrave – Jewellery Liz – Jewellry Babs Fairchild – Pottery Mark Seagrave – Wood Ashley Cramp – Burl Bowls Neil Cobran – Wood Stools, tables and platters Debbie Baker / Kelly Danuel – Wood and resin platters Tim Hodgson – Metal Sculptures Wojciech Pietranik – Stone Sculptures Leo Loomens – Metal Sculptures | Business Donated Items for Silent Auction Sports Memorabilia War Vehicle Models |
To view the artist’s profiles view or download the PDF below.
To view the media release, click below.
To view the entry terms and conditions for artists please download the arts and craft show conditions.
Auction Items for Official Launch on Friday 2nd May 2025
Made-local Market
Eco friendly handmade gifts, toys, jewellery, textiles, pottery, garden ornaments, home produce, flowers (fresh), artisan soaps and more
Gold coin donation at the gate, sausage sizzle and a full canteen will be operating during exhibition times
Thank you to our generous donors & sponsors
Hawker Men’s Shed Inc (HMS) would like to thank the following donors who have made generous donations to enable the construction of its long-awaited new shed facilities
Construction Donors: The Snow Foundation / The ACT Government
HMS Inc would also like to thank the following donors who are generously supporting the fundraising event to celebrate the opening of the new shed with an arts and craft exhibition. The moneys raised by the exhibition are intended to equip the new shed with important health and safety equipment, dedicated workshop machinery, presentation equipment and air conditioning for the new community / activities room
Event Sponsors: Capital Chemist / The Tall Foundation
Arts & Crafts
Chan Dissanayake / Caroline Deeble / Susan Trudinger / Jenny Blake / Nathan Kellett / Hannah Gill / Jenny Mason / Tim Hodgson / Marion Schumacher / Mark Redzic / Isla Patterson / Fiona Payne / Sagu Sukhvinder / Sarah Richards-Murrawuy / Jeeperz Creaturez / JW Glass / Wojciech Pietranik / Leo Loomens / Sparks n Flames Metal Cutouts / Peter McGrath / Neil Colbran / Bungendore Village Leather / Woodcraft Guild ACT / Mark Seagrave / Mick Ashley / Daniel Venables / Babs Fairchild / Ann Toet / Dale Huddleston
General donors
Capital Chemist / Tall Foundation / National Zoo and Aquarium / Capital Wines / Hawker Place Physiotherapy & Pilates / Clark & Kealey Distilling, Bungendore / Hold Fast Distillery, Braidwood / Riverbourne Distillery, Captains Flat / Discount Gallery , Belconnen / Hawker Pharmacy / Kurtz Hair by Design, Hawker/ Travel Associates, Belconnen Mall / Hawker Dental / Hobby Sew, Belconnen Mall / Canberra Bonsai Society / Mark Seagrave / Rob Gill / Joanne Mason / Bunnings Belconnen / Stihl, Fyshwick / IGA Melba / ALDI, Jamison / Canberra Walk-in Aviary / Stonehenge Beltana / Gold Creek Country Club / Santa’s Secret / Canberra Reptile Zoo / National Dinosaur Museum / Cockington Green Gardens / Balloons Aloft / Under the Mistletoe
January 10, 2024
Happy New Year! What a huge 2023 we had. With our biggest Repair Café ever held happening in December, we are gearing up for an even bigger and better year ahead.
Some pictures taken from the day below showcasing just how diverse the Café and Made Local Markets are each quarter. We can’t wait to see you at the next one on Sunday, 17 March 2024.
We have some big things happening this year so watch this space! For all of our upcoming events, head over to our calendar.
August 17, 2023
The Extension to our tea room is well underway with the additional shed donated by the ACT Veteran’s Association!
Lots of helpers on the day and with all available hands on deck we have made some great progress!
Stay tuned for more updates and don’t forget to pop by to see the progress over a cup of coffee with the other members!
