Port Macquarie Women’s Shed Inc

Port Macquarie Women’s Shed Inc is a vibrant, not-for-profit community organisation dedicated to empowering women across the Hastings region, including Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Camden Haven, Comboyne, and beyond. Founded in 2015, it began as a grassroots response to women seeking practical skills and social connection, quickly growing into an inclusive hub where women of all ages and backgrounds come together to learn, create, and support one another.

The Shed places a strong emphasis on mental wellbeing, confidence building, and skill development, offering a safe and encouraging environment for women to explore both traditional and trade-like activities. While the group has operated from various temporary locations, it is now preparing to establish a permanent home, further cementing its role as a cornerstone of the local community.

Woodcraft Workshops: Building Skills and Confidence

The flagship activity of Port Macquarie Women’s Shed Inc is its Woodcraft Workshops, where women learn to use a wide range of tools—from wood lathes and drill presses to hand tools—to create practical and creative projects. These workshops are designed to build self-sufficiency, boost confidence, and foster social connections.

Participants can work on their own projects or join structured sessions to make items like tool caddies, small boxes, picture frames, and more. The focus is on hands-on learning in a supportive, friendly atmosphere, empowering women to gain new skills and a sense of achievement.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Port Macquarie Women’s Shed Inc is to provide a welcoming space where women learn together as friends, offering mutual support, guidance, and encouragement. Its vision is to expand individual skills while respecting traditional knowledge, and to facilitate social connection, celebrating both individual and collective achievements.

Main Objectives

• Promote mental wellbeing and social inclusion among women in the Hastings region.
• Offer opportunities for women to learn practical, trade-like skills in a supportive environment.
• Encourage community participation and volunteerism.
• Adapt programs to meet the evolving needs of local women.

Benefiting Groups

Port Macquarie Women’s Shed Inc serves women of all ages and backgrounds, particularly those seeking to build new skills, make friends, or improve their mental health. The organisation is especially valuable for women who may feel isolated, are new to the area, or wish to explore non-traditional activities in a safe, female-only space.

Types of Services or Activities

• Woodcraft and tool workshops: Hands-on sessions teaching woodworking and the safe use of tools.
• Clean crafts: Regular gatherings for knitting, crochet, sewing, mosaic, beading, and other crafts, often supporting community causes.
• Social events: Day trips, lunches, dinners, coffee catch-ups, and movie outings to strengthen community bonds.
• Skill-sharing and mentoring: Opportunities for women to teach and learn from each other, fostering a culture of mutual support.

Port Macquarie Women’s Shed Inc is more than just a place to learn—it’s a community where women grow together, celebrating each other’s successes and creating lasting connections.