Outstanding Men’s Sheds and individual contributors to the Men’s Shed movement have been recognised at the Australian Men’s Shed Association Shedder’s Ball Gala Dinner in Albury (NSW).
As part of the Association’s 9th National Men’s Shed Gathering, the 2022 Shed Awards recognise Men’s Sheds going above and beyond for members and their communities and individuals for their contributions to the Men’s Shed movement – which is now an international phenomenon.
The “Ted Donnelly Award” recognising outstanding and lifelong contributions to the Men’s Shed movement was awarded virtually this year – with recipients being unable to attend the dinner.
“This award – aptly named after the longest serving Shedder in the world and Australia’s ‘Grandfather of Men’s Sheds’ – prestigiously acknowledges individuals who have played an exceptional and fundamental role in building a Men’s Shed movement that now comprises of over 3,500 Men’s, Women’s and Community Sheds across 12 countries,” said AMSA Chairman Paul Sladdin.
Bill Johnstone (Fremantle Men’s Shed, Western Australia) and Graeme Curnow (Kenmore Men’s Shed, Queensland) were both recognised for their efforts in the establishment and development of the Australian Men’s Shed Association, as well as their respective state organisations and local Men’s Sheds at grassroots level.
“I’m really proud to be associated with a pantheon of men who have done so much for the Men’s Shed movement to improve the social environment for men,” Mr Curnow.
Ruth McGowan (Tongala Men’s Shed, Victoria) and Maxine Chaseling (Goolwa Men’s Shed, South Australia) were inducted into the AMSA Hall of Fame in acknowledgment of their founding roles and ongoing support of the respective Men’s Sheds. These Men’s Sheds were among the very first in Australia (the home of Men’s Sheds) almost 30 years ago.
“I struck the match but fortunately it was the right time and the primary health strategy was simple and doable in any community,” Mrs Chaseling humbly acknowledged her role in founding the first Shed in Goolwa.
The 2022 National Men’s Shed Awards, supported by AMSA’s major partner Fair Dinkum Builds, were also announced recognising seven Men’s Sheds across six categories, following nominations submitted earlier this year.
Members of the Wodonga Men’s Shed (Victoria) attended the Shedder’s Ball to accept their award for 2022 Shed of the Year.
“The Shed of the Year award is not about shed size or membership numbers. This year we were looking for (and found) a shed doing excellent things within the shed, as well as alongside community members and most exceptionally creating value for Men’s Sheds across the country,” said Mr Sladdin.
The Wodonga Men’s Shed was established over 10 years ago and despite shared challenges over the last few years has continued to fundraise and support community groups and has retained almost 100 members – demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
The Shed is well respected in the community and enjoy excellent community support.
Recipients of the 2022 Shed Awards were on hand for the presentation at the Gala Dinner, which was followed by entertainment from AMSA friend and host of the Association’s podcast, The Shed Wireless, John Paul Young.
The National Men’s Shed Awards are supported by AMSA’s major partner, Fair Dinkum Builds.
2022 National Men’s Shed Awards Recipients
Innovation Tallygaroopna Men’s Shed, Vic.
Sustainability Laurieton Men’s Shed, NSW
Community Ardrossan Men’s & Community Shed, SA
Connection Gisborne Men’s Shed, Vic.
Men’s Health Atherton Men’s Shed, Qld & Buderim Men’s Shed, Qld
Shed of the Year Wodonga Men’s Shed, Vic.