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.
The awards celebrate the remarkable work taking place in Men’s Sheds across the country – from supporting men’s health and strengthening communities, to developing innovative environmental projects and fostering meaningful social connections.
“Men’s Sheds are places where friendships are built, skills are shared and communities are strengthened,” said David Helmers, AMSA Executive Officer.
“These award winners and finalists show just how powerful the Shed movement is in supporting men’s wellbeing while delivering real benefits to the wider community.”
In 2026, the Awards fell under four categories with winners announced at the 11th AMSA National Men’s Shed Gathering held in Brisbane.
Bright Spark Award
Marlin Coast Men’s Shed QLD
After seeing a member unable to join Bocce due to mobility limitations following a stroke, Marlin Coast Men’s Shed designed and built a custom spring-loaded launching device that attaches to his mobility scooter. The invention now allows him to fully participate in games, bringing a smile to his face and strengthening the Shed’s inclusive spirit.
Finalists
Raymond Terrace Men’s Shed NSW
C. Y. O’Connor Men’s Shed WA
Brunswick Junction Community Men’s Shed WA
The Green Shed
Dingley Village Men’s Shed VIC
Dingley Village Men’s Shed has transformed thousands of discarded plastic milk bottles into durable community products such as garden stakes, benches and planter boxes. Through ingenuity and persistence, members designed and built their own recycling machinery, proving that practical innovation can turn waste into long-lasting resources.
Nepean Men’s Shed NSW
Nepean Men’s Shed developed a simple yet highly effective system for washing paint brushes while safely managing contaminated water. Their cost-effective solution captures sediment and disperses clarified water safely, protecting both the environment and their septic system while meeting workplace safety standards.
Finalists
Marlin Coast Men’s Shed QLD
Hawker Men’s Shed ACT
Healthy Shed, Healthy Blokes
Belconnen Community Men’s Shed ACT
Belconnen Community Men’s Shed is 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.
Finalists
Maleny and District Men’s Shed QLD
Wagga Wagga Men’s Shed NSW
Ashgrove – The Gap Men’s Shed QLD
Community Impact Award - Shed of the Year
Cockburn Community Men’s Shed WA
Cockburn Community Men’s Shed has built an extraordinary network of community partnerships, supporting everything from youth work experience and disability inclusion to court-ordered community work programs. Through thousands of volunteer hours and projects for schools, aged care facilities and community groups, the Shed has become a powerful hub of connection, learning and support in the Cockburn community.
Finalists
Croydon Men’s Shed VIC
Blackall Range Woodcrafters Guild QLD
Hawker Men’s Shed ACT
Erina Community Men’s Shed NSW
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.
- 2026 – John Sharples
- 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