National Shed Awards
AMSA’s National Shed Awards give the Men’s Shed community an opportunity to recognise the outstanding work of Men’s Sheds around Australia. Supported by AMSA’s major partner Fair Dinkum Builds, the Awards look for Sheds and efforts of all sizes to celebrate the simple greatness of Men’s Sheds from all over the country. Nominations for the 2026 Shed Awards are now open, and close on Thursday 18 December 2025.
In 2026, the Awards fall under four categories:
- The Bright Spark Award – a unique or unusual approach to a problem or project
- The Green Shed Award – a project or activity that puts the environment or recycling at its heart
- Healthy Shed, Healthy Blokes Award – promoting men’s mental and/or physical health and wellbeing
- Community Impact Award – a Shed doing great things for their community
Winners will be announced alongside the recipient of the Ted Donnelly Lifetime Contribution Award at the 11th AMSA National Men’s Shed Gathering.
Discounted price for the National Men’s Shed Gathering
Each shed nominated will receive a 10% discount on the cost of registration for the 11th AMSA National Men’s Shed Gathering, to be held in Brisbane in March 2026.
The 2024 Award Winners
INNOVATIVE ACTIVITY: Jurien Bay Men’s Shed WA
The Jurien Bay Community Men’s Shed developed the innovative Rest in Reef project, creating an enduring memorial that also supports the marine environment. Up to 100 specially designed mini reef balls are made with a blend of concrete incorporating a deceased person’s ashes. These reef balls are carefully placed off Jurien Bay, becoming part of the local artificial reef and encouraging marine life to thrive almost immediately.
This project uniquely combines remembrance, community involvement, fundraising and environmental sustainability—providing a lasting tribute that also enriches the ocean ecosystem.
Read more: Rest in Reef wins Innovative Fundraising award – Jurien Bay, WA – Australian Men’s Shed Association
SUSTAINABILITY: Men’s Shed Wagga Wagga NSW
Since its establishment in 2008, Wagga Wagga Men’s Shed (NSW) has evolved into a model of sustainability and community service, earning them the AMSA National Men’s Shed Award for Sustainability. Through a combination of recycling, repurposing, fundraising, and compassion, the shed has not only built a strong internal culture but also made a significant impact on the wider Wagga Wagga community.
Under the guidance of secretary David Croft, who has held the role since 2014, the shed has developed innovative systems to turn what others see as rubbish into revenue, tools, furniture, and even works of art.
“Our shed’s philosophy is, if something has got a second life, we’ll find it!”
See the video: The Shed Where Nothing Goes To Waste: Wagga’s Award-Winning Model of Community and Sustainability – Australian Men’s Shed Association
MEN’S HEALTH: Coolum Men’s Shed QLD & Eden Men’s Shed, NSW
Eden Men’s Shed, NSW
The Eden Men’s Shed has developed a strong partnership with the Southern NSW Local Health District, focusing on the health and wellbeing of its members. The Shed regularly invites guest speakers from the NSW Government’s Southern NSW Local Health District and other organisations to address important health topics. These range from prostate cancer and dementia to first aid and proper use of their on-site defibrillator. In addition, with support from an NSDP grant, Eden Men’s Shed organised the inaugural Far South Coast Men’s Health Muster in March 2023. The event brought together 55 members from 10 different Sheds, including participants from Narooma and Cooma in New South Wales, Bemm River in Victoria, and members of the local community. Nine health and community organizations set up stalls to provide valuable advice and information during breaks.
Coolum Men’s Shed
Coolum Men’s Shed Inc hosted the highly successful “ShedMusic Festival,” a one-day community music event designed to highlight the physical and mental health benefits of making music. The festival also provided a platform for Men’s Shed members from across the Sunshine Coast and South Brisbane to showcase their musical talents and connect with like-minded mates.
SHED OF THE YEAR: The Macclesfield Men’s Shed, South Australia
Macclesfield Men’s Shed (MMS) was proudly named Shed of the Year in 2024, a recognition of the remarkable impact its members have had on their community. As a modest shed with around 20 dedicated members, the shed has an impressive list of projects and achievements in the community from creating park furniture, to mentoring young fellas, and even catering for local events!
Read more: Macclesfield Men’s Shed: Small but mighty! – Australian Men’s Shed Association
Ted Donnelly ‘Outstanding Contribution’ Award
The Ted Donnelly Award recognises an individual’s long term and outstanding contributions to the development of the Shed movement.
- 2024 – Paul Sladdin
- 2022 – Bill Johnstone and Graeme Curnow
- 2019 – Professor John Macdonald
- 2017 – David Helmers
- 2015 – John Evoy (Ireland)
- 2013 – Professor Barry Golding AM
- 2011 – Ted Donnelly (subsequently renamed to the Ted Donnelly Award – for outstanding contribution to the Shed Movement)
AMSA Hall of Fame
In 2013 AMSA formally introduced the ‘Australian Men’s Shed Association Hall of Fame’.
This honour was designed to acknowledge ‘those who have demonstrated a commitment and passion for the men’s shed movement, are strong advocates for the shed movement, may have pioneered initiatives for the benefit of their communities and the greater shed movement, may have assisted other sheds to develop by providing advice and support and perhaps played key roles in the development of the State and National Associations’.
Ted Donnelly Lane Cove Men’s Shed, New South Wales
Professor Barry Golding Victoria
Bill Johnstone Fremantle, Western Australia
Gary Green Orbost Men’s Shed Pioneer, Victoria & Tasmania
Graeme Curnow Shed West Kenmore, Queensland
Ivan Armstrong Uniting Care, New South Wales
John Waters Bridgewater, Tasmania
Lyn Kinder Brimbank, Victoria
Len Wallace Grenfell, New South Wales
Maxine Chaseling Goolwa, South Australia
Ray Cawthorne Grenfell, New South Wales
Roger Greenan Windale Men’s Shed, New South Wales
Ron Mitchell Victoria
Ruth McGowan Tongala, Victoria
Ruth van Herk Lane Cove, New South Wales
Stuart Holmes Nambucca Heads, New South Wales