As the first anniversary of the Women’s Sheds Victoria (WSV) kick-off meeting in May 2025 approaches, we reflect on the significant progress and collective effort driving the vision for a Victorian peak body forward.
That inaugural gathering brought together 32 women from 19 sheds, alongside observers from Corowa (NSW), Geeveston, and Huon in Tasmania – an early signal of the strong interest in building a more connected movement, both within Victoria and nationally.
At the meeting, attendees came together around a shared purpose: to explore the formation of a representative body that could strengthen support for Women’s Sheds, improve access to funding and resources, and provide a unified voice across the state.
The Honourable Maree Edwards MP, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Member for Bendigo West, articulated a compelling vision at the kick-off meeting, highlighting the critical role Women’s Sheds play in fostering connection, building confidence, and supporting wellbeing, particularly in the context of rising social isolation.
Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters MP, has likewise been an active supporter, advocating for recognition and funding for Women’s Sheds at a national level.
This progress has been driven by a committed group of women bringing diverse skills and perspectives from both regional and metropolitan Sheds:
- Sally Hutchison (Bendigo Region Women’s Shed)
- Mel Rogers (Bellarine Women’s Workshop)
- Deb Tidey (Women in Workshops)
- Karen Vanderkaay (Orwil Street Community House – Frankston)
- Daniela Ionescu (Bendigo Region Women’s Shed)
- Jess Short (Alpine Multi Skill Group)
- Sophie Potter (Women’s Shed Ballarat)
- Naomi Worrall-Thornton (Northern Geelong Women’s Shed)
The work now underway includes progressing formal registration, governance structures, membership systems, and funding pathways. The foundations laid over the past year position Women’s Sheds Victoria strongly for the next phase of its development.
At Women’s Sheds Australia, we recognise the effort involved in building these structures from the ground up. We particularly acknowledge and celebrate the leadership of Sally Hutchison who has demonstrated sustained efforts over a number of years to ensure the voices of Women’s Sheds in Victoria are heard.
We are proud to support this work and to walk alongside Women’s Sheds Victoria – and emerging groups in other states and territories – as part of a growing, connected national movement.
If you are in Victoria and would like to join the movement, search the map for your nearest local Women’s Shed, and get involved today!