The town of 
Macclesfield, tucked away in the Adelaide Hills, may be small in size—but its Men’s Shed has proven to be mighty. This year, Macclesfield Men’s Shed (MMS) was proudly named Shed of the Year, a recognition of the remarkable impact its members have had on their community.
Founded in 2013, MMS has always been a modest outfit. Operating out of facilities at the local recreation grounds—kindly offered rent-free by the Mount Barker District Council—the shed has grown steadily, now boasting around 20 dedicated members. Over the years, the group has rolled up their sleeves for countless projects, each one leaving its mark not just in Macclesfield, but across the wider region.
Building for Community
In the past two years alone, MMS has delivered an impressive list of projects:
• Eight timber bench seats, a picnic table and shelter for the Queen’s Jubilee tree planting project.
• BBQ shelters for neighbouring communities.
• Bespoke Red Gum furniture for parks and memorial gardens, including Davenport Square and Crystal Lake Sculpture Park.
• Renovated park furniture and signage across the district.
But their contribution hasn’t stopped at furniture. MMS has helped design disability access paths for steep local parklands, installed bollards to curb hoon damage in reserves, and even teamed up with the Goolwa Men’s Shed to build a 12’ Clinker-built Acorn boat. One particularly unique project saw them repair the propeller from a 1932 Hawker Demon biplane for the local RSL.
A Shed for All Generations
The Shed’s influence extends well beyond traditional woodwork. Members have mentored young locals like Noah, a 16-year-old struggling at school who came to the shed to learn practical skills. The experience proved valuable for both Noah and the members, and today he’s working successfully in earthmoving and landscaping.
Macclesfield school students have also benefited, with Isaac and Sierra working alongside shed members to build a full-sized Connect 4 game and a possum box for their school grounds. Meanwhile, the local women’s group partnered with MMS to create playground furniture and a children’s library exchange.
More Than a Workshop
If you think the Macclesfield Shedders limit themselves to sawdust and tool benches, think again—they’ve even ventured into catering. Working with the Battunga Lions and Macclesfield Community Association, the shed has helped feed crowds at the Annual Strawberry Festival, Creative Pursuits Art Festival, Nature Festival, and the Lions Bike Show.
And of course, there’s plenty of time for members to socialise, from regular barbecues to excursions such as their trip to the National Military Vehicle Museum.
Reaching Out Where It Matters Most
Perhaps their most inspiring project to date is one with life-saving potential. In partnership with the Macclesfield RSL, MMS is helping to deliver the Reach Out Posts initiative—installing recycled plastic bollards fitted with mental health crisis line signage in parks, gardens, and walking trails. These posts list services like Lifeline, Beyond Blue, 1800Respect and Kidsafe, offering a discreet way for people in distress to access support.
Since July, more than 100 posts have already been installed across the Mount Barker region, Strathalbyn, and Jamestown, with a target of 400 across South Australia within the next two years.
Small Town, Big Impact
For a town of just over 1,400 people—where nearly a third of residents are aged between 55 and 74—Macclesfield Men’s Shed is more than just a meeting place. It’s a hub of connection, skill-sharing, and community spirit.
By partnering with groups like the Macclesfield Community Association, RSL, and Battunga Lions, MMS has punched well above its weight—proving that when people come together, even the smallest shed can make the biggest difference.
Now the Maccy Men’s Shed has been nominated as one of the top twenty success stories from across Regional South Australia.
That’s why Macclesfield Men’s Shed is the well-deserving winner of Shed of the Year 2024 award.