Who can join NWS?
Membership is open to women 18 years and over
What is the focus of NWS?
At Noosa Women’s Shed our emphasis is on learning tool-based skills. We want to build projects. We want to make repairs around the house. We want to be handy-women.
Our motto is ‘Share, Learn and Make’
Where is NWS?
As we work towards our own shed, Noosa Council has given us access to the facilities at Noosa Seniors, 11 Wallace Drive Noosaville. Noosa Seniors have been a great support for us. They helped us set up our workshop in one of their bus shelters.
Our new shed is currently being built. By mid 2024 we should be in residence at NWS Wallum Lane, Noosa Heads.
What are the costs associated with joining NWS?
Membership is $100 per year for new members. This includes a once-off charge of $20 for a name badge. Renewals are $80 per year. Included in your membership is your insurance coverage with Australian Men’s Shed Assoc (AMSA). Membership is due for renewal in January.
Tool accreditation classes are free of charge. When we do projects there will be a nominal charge for the supplies you will need – wood, nails etc. We buy these as a job lot to save money.
Does membership include insurance?
Yes it does. All paid up members are covered by insurance with Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA).
Why join a women’s shed?
There are many benefits associated with a women’s shed.
Firstly, we are a group of like-minded women. We want to learn tool based skills. When we convene there is a social aspect to our gatherings. We come together to chat, laugh and share experiences. We also get a great sense of community.
Secondly, tool based learning gives members a change to grow in confidence. You get a great sense of accomplishment when you learn new skills. As a group there is a shared sense of trust and friendship.
How do I join NWS?
It’s simple – fill in our membership application form on the website’s “Join” page. Then pay your membership fee. On the form you will find options for payment, either via bank credit using internet banking, making a deposit into our Bendigo Bank account or by coming to a meeting and paying cash.
If you wish to check us out first, you are most welcome to come to one of our monthly Shed meetings. We meet on the 2nd Saturday of every month from 1:30pm at the Noosa Seniors, 11 Wallace Drive Noosaville. We bring membership forms to the meeting so you can fill one out there.
When and why do we have a Shed Meeting?
On the second Saturday of the month, from 1:30pm, we meet at Noosa Seniors 11 Wallace Drive Noosaville to discuss Shed business.
We have a lot to discuss and plan. Topics vary from shed planning, project planning and fund raising. Committee members update the group on progress in each of their special areas.
At the close of the meeting, we have a social catch-up. Drinks and nibbles. If you wish to join in we ask a $5 fee to cover catering. Once we’ve finished Shed business we like to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
What safety protocols do we operate under at NWS?
In accordance with our mission statement, we want members to work in a safe and well-equipped environment. We ask that members adhere to our safety guidelines when attending accreditation and project sessions.
Every member is being accredited in tool usage so that they are aware of how to use tools safely.
At accreditation and project sessions we ask that you :
-wear appropriate clothing, ie no loose clothing, no jewelry, hair needs to be tied back
-wear closed in shoes
-wear safety glasses and ear protection. These items are BYO
-operate tools with a duty of care, both for you and others
-look out for each other. If you see a dangerous situation, please take appropriate action.
A duty officer is on site during all shed activities. That person has access to our emergency contact list. This shows members’ medical conditions and emergency contacts.
Do I have to do the tool accreditation sessions?
You may already be skilled with tools. That’s great. However, for insurance purposes, you must complete our tool accreditation. Our local tradie, Mrs Fixit, is a member and she has completed our tool accreditation sessions.
How do I register for an accreditation or project session?
Firstly for insurance purposes you need to be a fully paid up member before you can attend any sessions.
We are scheduling sessions about 3 months out at this stage. A calendar of events is emailed to all members. We have a WorkShop Co-Ordinator, Julie, will send an email out asking for expressions of interest. To secure a spot you need only reply to that email. It’s first come first served. Her email address is [email protected]
Due to demand we are regularly repeating these events to ensure all members get their turn.
What do I bring to a tool session?
Wear closed in shoes
Don’t wear loose fitting clothes
Water
Ear Protection (either ear muffs or ear bubs)
Safety glasses
How can I help NWS?
-Become a member 🙂
-Tell everybody about us – spread the word
-Bring along your sister, aunty, friend, neighbour. The more the merrier.
-Donate tools or wood
-Donate to our shed building fund
-Donate your skills – we’re building a new shed and that will involve the skills of many trades
Can I talk to someone/Do you have a phone number?
The NWS is run by volunteers who dedicate as much time as they can to our cause. We don’t have a full time admin person. If you contact us, either by email or by message on Facebook, someone will reply as soon as they are able.