In recent months, representatives from Women’s Sheds Australia have been engaging with key stakeholders to progress discussions on Federal support and a funding stream accessible to Women’s Sheds across Australia.
Most recently, Michelle Slater and Jackie Harris from Women’s Sheds Australia met with Senator Ellie Whiteaker to discuss the growing impact of Women’s Sheds across Australia and the opportunity to strengthen national support for the movement.
The discussion highlighted the unique role Women’s Sheds play in communities, providing a practical, welcoming environment where women can build skills, confidence, and connection. The challenges associated with limited access to dedicated funding, and the almost universal experience of securing suitable and sustainable facilities at a local level, were also explored.
The rapidly growing network of sheds is supported through mentoring, volunteers, shared resources, and the national Women’s Shed Map – but sustainable growth remains constrained by a lack of dedicated funding.
The meeting with Senator Whiteaker was another positive step in progressing national conversations about how Women’s Sheds can be supported into the future. Women’s Sheds Australia will continue to engage constructively with stakeholders to advance this work.
How your shed can support the campaign for national Women’s Shed funding
Over the coming months, Women’s Sheds Australia will be launching a national engagement campaign.
Sheds will be invited to:
- Connect with their local Federal Members of Parliament, and host visits to showcase the impact of their shed
- Share consistent messaging about the role and value of Women’s Sheds
- Encourage parliamentary recognition of the movement and its funding needs
- Participate in an open letter campaign
This coordinated approach will lay the groundwork for a broader national funding conversation.
You will soon receive further communication from Women’s Sheds Australia with guidance, templates, and key talking points to support your involvement.
To ensure you don’t miss important updates and opportunities to participate, please take a moment to check that your shed’s details are current on the Women’s Shed Map.
As a national body, we look forward to supporting you to secure the funding your Women’s Shed deserves.