Women’s Sheds Victoria (WSV), a peak body representing women’s sheds in Victoria was formally established on Wednesday 7 May 2025.

The inaugural meeting attended by 32 women from 19 sheds united to approve the Rules, the annual fee of $55 per shed, and to elect the inaugural Board of Directors. The meeting included not only women representing sheds in Victoria, but also a small group of observers from women’s sheds in Corowa (NSW), Geeveston, and Huon in Tasmania.

Success, for the dream of making a peak body for women’s sheds in Victoria a reality, was due to the unwavering commitment of the small united team of women with diverse skills from sheds operating in both the regions and the city. The commitment to stage one of the journey by Mel Rogers, Daniela Ionescu, Jen Belsar (supported by Marion Brown), Deb Tidey, Karen Vanderkaay and chair, Sally Hutchison was unwavering and greatly valued.

The support of the Honourable Maree Edwards MP, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Member for Bendigo West and her belief that establishing a peak body for women's sheds in Victoria was not only possible but needed to better access support, whether that be financial support or other support has been invaluable.

In her opening address to the inaugural meeting, Maree set the vision for the meeting by saying, "women's sheds are more than just places of learning practical skills. They're also safe spaces where friendships can be forged. They're places where confidence is built, and places where women can come together to share and to support each other, and of course to grow. And I think in a world where loneliness and social isolation are on the rise, the importance of spaces like women's sheds, cannot be overstated.

Social connection isn't just about a feel-good factor. It's essential. It's essential to everyone's health and wellbeing, including, and importantly, for women. And we know that loneliness can significantly impact both mental and physical health, and women in particular can suffer particularly from those from those issues, particularly if they're in caring roles.”

Lisa Chesters MP, Federal Member for Bendigo has also been supportive and active in lobbying her colleagues on women’s sheds and funding.

Prior to the meeting, eight women volunteered to be on the inaugural Board of Directors for Women’s Sheds Victoria, and consists of a mix of new and continuing women who bring a diversity of skills and representation from across the state.

President - Sally Hutchison (Bendigo Region Women’s Shed)

Vice President – Mel Rogers (Bellarine Women’s Workshop)

Secretary - Deb Tidey (Women in Workshops)

Treasurer - Karen Vanderkaay (Orwil Street Community House – Frankston)

Ordinary Directors - Daniela Ionescu, (Bendigo Region Women’s Shed), Jess Short (Alpine Multi Skill Group), Sophie Potter (Women’s Shed Ballarat), and Naomi Worrall-Thornton (Northern Geelong Women’s Shed)

The inaugural meeting is the first step in a much longer journey that includes having the rules formally approved by the Registrar, applying for charity status, setting up the organisation (how it will operate and communicate with members, membership forms, policies and procedures, etc.), applying for funding, and networking both locally and nationally, while supporting women’s sheds across Victoria.

Board members are very much aware of the enormity of the role they have taken on but are convinced that with the support and encouragement of the wider Women’s Sheds Victora movement, we can grow and flourish.