Last July, 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.
The event drew an impressive crowd of 500 attendees, who enjoyed performances from 104 musicians representing six different Men’s Sheds. As a special highlight, Australian music legend Mike McClellan headlined the festival, adding to the excitement of the day.
A Focus on Men’s Health
Beyond the music, the festival had a strong focus on men’s health. A clinical team from the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service volunteered their time, with Senior Mental Health Clinicians, Clinical Psychologists, and nurses on hand to engage with attendees. The day began with an educational discussion forum titled “The Health Benefits of Making Music,” led by the hospital’s mental health specialists. This was followed by a hands-on workshop focused on managing Men’s Shed music groups and developing musical skills.
Throughout the day, health professionals provided free blood pressure checks, engaged in one-on-one discussions about health concerns, and offered referrals to other support services. More than 100 attendees took advantage of the blood pressure assessments, and several were given documentation to follow up with their GP. To encourage participation, a local ice cream van provided free gelato alongside the health checks—proving that looking after your health can have its sweet moments!
More Than Just Music – Building Connections
The true success of the ShedMusic Festival wasn’t just in the numbers—it was in the camaraderie and connections built between Men’s Shed members. Many new friendships were formed, and sheds from across the region strengthened their bonds. One attendee, who lives with PTSD and other mental health challenges, summed up the impact of the event by saying, “Today was far better for my mental health than ten visits to a psychiatrist!”
ShedMusic ‘25 – Bigger and Better
With the overwhelming success of last year’s festival, this year’s event is shaping up to be even bigger and better. At the Men’s Sheds National Gathering in Murray Bridge last September, Bruce Ulhorn, Convenor of ShedMusic ‘25, shared the festival’s vision with David Broadhead, Chair of Menzshed. The idea gained traction, and now two Menzsheds from New Zealand are joining in on the fun. A group from the Tuakau Menzshed is making the journey, along with 14 members from the Auckland East Menzshed—proving that music and mateship know no borders!
Bruce is keen to hear from sheds from around Australia or further afield who are keen to be a part of the next music festival, and has secured some discounts on local accommodation. If you’d like to find out more and get involved in this year’s ShedMusic visit https://www.coolummensshed.org/shed-music-2025.html