The Shed Project
Current Project:
The Shed Project (formally 'The Boys' Shed') is conducted out of our new purpose built shed facilitated by the Anglican Parish of Warracknabeal.
Two separate sessions are currently offered:
Monday afternoons (weekly) - Primary age participants
Thursday afternoons (fortnightly) - High school age participants
The Shed Project has been operational since August 2018. Currently there is a capacity for up to twenty participants in the program, and there are six male registered mentors that supervise and help co-ordinate.
Rev James was appointed Parish Priest in December 2017. He perceived a need where young males could develop confidence and increase socialization skills in a supportive environment. He discerned that even within a rural setting, many boys did not have the skills nor the opportunity to work practically with their hands in a safe workshop situation. Concurrently, in conversation with parents there were a number of boys identified that required ‘male mentors’ in their lives due to family circumstances, isolation and disadvantage.
Expansion of Project:
The Anglican Parish, as part of Project Regenerate, has been working to build a purpose built shed to expand participation and opportunity for young people in the Warracknabeal region.
‘Rev’s Revolution’ was instigated by Rev James in August 2020 raising $25,000 for the project. Local individuals and businesses have been very generous in our fundraising endeavours over the years - which have supplied materials, labour and moral support.
'Technical difficulties' delayed the project from August 2023 - November 2024. In April 2025, we received our Occupancy Permit and we are now operating out of the new shed.
A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone involved!
Aims and Objectives of The Shed Project:
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There is a desperate need for a supportive and safe environment for male participants to explore their creativity and develop practical and social skills appropriate for their age and social context.
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In our modern society, there are very few contexts where a ‘boys only’ space is provided. Current writing and research suggests that boys need a specified space to grow and build confidence, and eventually develop into fine young men.
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There is also significant research that suggests mentoring has become as important as parenting itself, and the need to develop relationships with significant elders and non-family members has become very important focus for health professionals.
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For many participants, sport is not ‘their thing’ and therefore an activity that engages them in mind and body through The Shed Project has become an important part of their personal development.
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The Shed Project aims to develop a healthy sense of ‘self’ and encourages choices that lead to mental and physical wellbeing.
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More recently, the ‘church’ has been under scrutiny in light of widespread sexual abuse of those in their care. The cycles of abuse must STOP! The Shed Project seeks to redeem trust and confidence in the reality that the Anglican Church of Warracknabeal (Anglican Diocese of Ballarat) can provide safe and careful regard for all people.
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The Boys’ Shed can provide an important educational experience for participants and mentors who have little opportunity to explore woodwork skills.
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It is important that participants have a positive experience in the Boys’ Shed. Completing projects that have required time and effort have proven to be very beneficial to the self-esteem of our participants.
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The ‘FISH Philosophy’ is also used as the basis for social interaction and behaviour in The Shed Project.
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A major focus in The Shed Project is to use recyclable materials. All the timber used is recycled pallet timber, and were possible other salvaged materials. Hardware and tools have been purchased new. Rev James also allows use of some of his tools.
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That it is fun.
What happens in the Shed Project?:
There is no curriculum at The Shed Project. It was important for the team to establish a space that wasn’t determined by deadlines and strict conformity to how projects were embraced/embarked. The onus is on the participants to stay focussed and motivated in their projects (with encouragement).
Each session begins with a “Toolbox meeting” where food is shared and an overview of the afternoon is discussed. Personal projects require participants to: identify, design and draw project; Choose appropriate timber; Understanding project ‘phases’ / steps in construction; and Develop skills in woodworking techniques.
Hand tools and small power tools (cordless) are used in the Shed. No major power tools such as circular & table saws are used by participants. Further; problem solving and leadership (Shed Captain) skills are encouraged. The 'Shed Captain’ role was instigated by participants themselves: involves taking some responsibility for general well-being, organising elements of shed operation and ‘go to’ person in the shed on a fortnightly roster.
Vision:
The Shed Project, we believe, is a unique initiative to build a stronger community by providing an opportunity for participants to grow into strong young men - thoughtful, practical, resilient, self-confident; young men who are self-aware and willing to grow into their own skin.
It is a safe and supportive environment for participants and mentors;
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to be themselves
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to develop social and practical skills
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and to work on their own woodwork and construction projects from recycled and reclaimed timber.
It is also a place to nurture a culture of encouragement, co-operation and social responsibility as young people face their own issues within our world.
