The Shed Plan!
We have big plans
The Ararat Women’s Shed was established in 2026 (yes, we’re brand new) as a not-for-profit, community-based organisation that supports the connection, skills and community of women in Ararat and surrounding districts through practical activities, workshops, access to equipment and peer support.
Purpose
Provide a safe, inclusive ‘shed’ environment where women can meet regularly, learn and share practical skills (e.g. woodwork, repairs, certificates and licenses), and build social connection to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing.
Vision
The vision over the next three years (to 2029) is to become a recognised local hub for women’s social connection, life-long learning and practical problem-solving, complementing existing neighbourhood house and community services.
Power tools
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Quilting, sewing, machines
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Book club, stitch n bitch, cards, games
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Photography, writing, printmaking
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Power tools · Quilting, sewing, machines · Book club, stitch n bitch, cards, games · Photography, writing, printmaking ·
Our core offering
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Workshops
Let’s learn the things you want to know. We’re considering photography, print making, quilting, and a whole lot more. Want to tell us what takes your fancy? You can here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15YdASgbpiVets-p9jTP02kU6oUlmxNwejH6HpVmSJB0/edit
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Tickets & licenses
We plan to work with RTOs that can add useful qualifications, such as your chainsaw ticket, RSA and other handy skills and licenses to have.
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Clubs & groups
We hope to facilitate cool groups like a book club, regular cards and game sessions and provide space for existing clubs.
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Big ol' tool shed
By the end of 2026 we hope to have a physical space that can not only host our workshops and groups, but also house machines, workbenches, tools and a whole lot more for our members to access any time and be able to do more without needing to buy gear and take up space at home.
Our Future Home
Ararat Women’s Shed is actively looking for a home. We are in start-up mode, so are looking for sponsorship or peppercorn rent and are very happy to work with sponsors or local organisations who may have a space to suit.
We need:
24/7 access (which would be secure and only available to committee members and known, paid members)
Room for tools, workbenches, couches and of course, a coffee machine. We’ve got our priorities right!
Accessible. We want to be able to work with people of all ages and abilities to get in and out, and get to the loo.
If you think you have a space in mind that would work for us, get in touch!
Amazon Wishlist
We have created an Amazon Wishlist to act as a shopping list of things we know we need or want. You’re very welcome to make a purchase on behalf of Ararat Women’s Shed to add to the service and tools we can offer the community. Now, we actually prefer to work with our local retailers wherever possible (and aren’t fans of Jeff Bezos at the best of times) so the perfect scenario is that you see something we need, and shop local. That said, we’re grateful for any purchases or donations, and know that not everything is available locally (or at 2am) to order. You’re happy to buy it for us, we’ll take it with gratitude however it comes!