The Pambula Men’s Shed in Southern NSW has been a vital part of the local community for the past eight years, growing steadily from a Rotary-led initiative into a thriving hub for camaraderie, craftsmanship, and community service.
The shed’s origin dates back to a meeting of the local Rotary Club, where a steering committee was formed with the goal of starting a Men’s Shed. A key driving force behind the effort was the late Allan Elton, a former builder whose vision and passion helped bring the shed to life. A memorial plaque at the shed stands in his honour—a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to his community.
Today, the Pambula Men’s Shed operates from a unique location: the former NSW Health nurses’ quarters. It’s one of the few sheds in the country located on health premises—an apt setting, considering the shed’s focus on wellbeing and social connection.
As Treasurer David explains, “Men’s Sheds benefit from the local community, and the community benefits from the shed. Both see the long-term value.”
A Space for All
The shed isn’t all work and no play!
Inside, the shed is a hive of activity. While woodworking and woodturning remain the mainstay, the members have recently branched out into metalwork. A pool room offers a laid-back social space, and a monthly lunch—at just $7 per head—is more gourmet than your average sausage sizzle. On the menu? Think lamb and pork chops!
The shed is also proactive about staying in touch with members who can’t always attend in person, ensuring everyone stays connected and included.
Powered by Ingenuity—and a Bit of Grit
Pambula’s members don’t just build furniture—they build financial sustainability too. The shed’s main sources of income include:
Kindling from pallets: Local businesses such as Bega Cheese, Trend Windows, and an electrical supplier provide used pallets, which are broken down into kindling. Sold at $10 per bag through outlets like Mitre 10, Oaklands Distillery, and local pubs, the kindling raised $6,000 last year alone. “Demand outstrips what we can supply,” says David.
Survey pegs: A more recent addition, the team now makes and sells survey pegs in bundles of 25—filling another niche need while supporting shed finances.
The shed prices the pegs according to their size
Refurbished goods: Faulty items returned to retailers under warranty often find their way to the shed. Members fix them up and resell them—another clever way of creating value and reducing waste.
This resourceful approach has helped the shed keep membership fees affordable. Grants, such as one from the local Bendigo Bank which funded a new kitchen, and ongoing support from businesses like Mitre 10—who donate surplus stock—also help keep the shed running smoothly.
Importantly, the shed takes care not to undercut local trades. “We do custom jobs for people in the community,” David explains, “but we’re very mindful not to take work away from local businesses.”
Building More Than Just Projects
The Pambula Men’s Shed isn’t just a place to build birdhouses and kindling—it’s where friendships are forged, stories are shared, and skills are passed down. It’s a place where older blokes can have a laugh over a game of pool, put in a good day’s work, and go home with purpose.
Kindling bagged up and ready for sale
It’s a model of what a Men’s Shed should be—community-minded, hands-on, and heart-driven.
