August 2024

A quiet revolution – now spreading across Australia – grew out of the mud of the devastating Northern Rivers floods of 2022.

The revolution began in the challenging days after the flood waters receded. Shedding Community Workshop volunteers turned up at their Mullumbimby workshop to clean up the tools and reclaimed building materials which had gone underwater. 

But as community requests for help increased, ‘Shedding’ opened up its workshop doors to help repair thousands of items brought to them by locals – some of whom were significantly traumatised. Some repairs were functional items like washing machines and fridges. Others were well-loved items with sentimental value. Regardless, items were repaired and returned to their grateful owners, some were salvaged and donated to those in need. Some were repaired for emergency groups to support entire communities. Over 30 tonnes of material was saved from landfill.

The exercise expanded awareness around recycling, repair and re-use. Volunteers discovered the satisfaction of repairing items whilst learning new skills from their fellow volunteers.

While the practical work of recovery and teaching how to use tools was happening, Shedding continued to focus on its core purpose – to provide mental health, wellbeing and community connection in a trauma-informed and inclusive environment for all people, regardless of their skill set or capacity.

Shedding Director, Sophie Wilksch said, “Everyone had a place at Shedding – to feel a sense of purpose as part of a team, contributing to the bigger picture of community recovery.

“This disaster was a traumatic event that left people feeling hopeless, grief-stricken and alone. They needed to feel resilient. They needed a sense of purpose and belonging – to feel seen, heard, valued and supported, emotionally and physically.

“They needed community, friendship, a respite, a place to laugh and cry during this time of crisis.”

Since then, word has spread about Shedding and the powerful effects on mental health and wellbeing that result from learning practical skills in an inclusive, non-hierarchical, welcoming environment.

Shedding has supported communities across the region and has learned that many of them have identified the need for all-inclusive sheds and repair services in their towns and villages. This has further expanded beyond the region.

Sophie said, “We are now meeting with representatives from other local government areas, states and territories to collectively implement our vision to establish more sheds and provide these services in their areas – with a core focus on inclusive mental and physical health and wellbeing.”

– Karen Smith

On the weekend of the 10th August, Shedding On The Road rolled into Lismore at the invitation of Resilient Lismore, bringing with it a sense of camaraderie and empowerment that’s been the hallmark of our journey through the region. Lismore marked our fifth stop, and just like in the previous communities we’ve visited, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and a genuine sense of discovery.

The essence of Shedding On The Road is simple yet powerful: to give everyone the chance to tinker with tools, free of charge, and to do so in an environment where learning is a shared experience, not a top-down directive. The locals who gathered over those two days found more than just the opportunity to familiarise themselves with power tools; they found a space where support, encouragement, and hands-on learning came together seamlessly.

Participants, many of whom had never before held an angle grinder or circular saw, were not only introduced to these tools and many more, but were guided through their use with care and patience by our dedicated mentors. These volunteers, who generously donated their time, helped each person gain the confidence to repair and create. By the end of the weekend, the pride in the air was palpable as participants proudly showcased their creations they had made, each one a tangible reminder of their newfound skills.

But beyond the sawdust and the sound of drills, what truly made the Lismore event special was the environment of mutual respect and inclusivity. Shedding On The Road isn’t just about teaching people how to use tools; it’s about fostering an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and capable. The workshops are a rare gem in today’s world, offering a space where people can come together to learn, support one another, and leave with not just new skills, but a renewed sense of self-reliance.

Shedding On The Road continues to leave a trail of heartfelt experiences across the shire, and Lismore was no exception. It’s clear that this initiative is more than just a series of workshops—it’s a movement that brings communities together, empowering individuals to realise their potential in a supportive, non-hierarchical setting. And that, for me, ticks all the boxes.

– Patt Gregory

We have one more location to visit this year! We will stay in touch and let you know where we are heading. If you would like to find out more, you can check it out at on our website and email hello@shedding.com.au or text Sophie on 0490501745 for more details.

What is Shedding’s Empower program all about? 
 

Empower was created to teach hands-on skills in building and carpentry. But more than that, we want to share an attitude toward learning these skills—and, in turn, an attitude toward teaching them! We want to inspire confidence to share hands-on skills with others—whether big or small, in your backyard shed or a community space.
 
Our aim is also to inspire and empower like-minded organisations and individuals to share our practices, our resources and our networks to empower communities (far and wide) with practical carpentry and building skills in safe and supportive environments.

We want to make teaching and leading accessible to all, inspiring us to share our skills, teach and lead each other, and share the wealth of our collective knowledge.

We want this program to be a starting place for you – and a place for you to return when you have questions, ideas and challenges you may need support with. You may want to teach friends, family or a whole community of compassionate creators. You may even want to join our Shedding crew or create a Shedding of your own!

We aim to create a network of compassionate, skilled and connected teachers and leaders. We can all help each other. We believe that this is the magic of collaboration.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming empowered to empower others please visit our website for more information.

At Spacemakers, the opportunity to learn tool skills, creativity, mentoring, communication skills and even play skills happens every Friday from 10am-3pm. People gather to build, design, drop saw, circular saw, angle grind, drill, screw, and in general have a great time learning and mentoring one another.
 
Below are some pictures that represent a small portion of what happens at Spacemakers.

From left to right: Our Spacemakers team sorting screws, drilling holes, and attaching wooden labels made from an old wooden blind. Creativity is king!!

We are sprucing up the back area of Shedding! Our creative artists are at work, giving one of our storage containers a new look.

What makes the Repair Cafe a fun space is that the community have the opportunity to be involved and learn how to repair their items with a fabulous group of dedicated and knowledgeable people. Volunteers show up every week to assist you in restoring old furniture, repairing a lawn mower, fixing an old picture frame or any other number of needed repairs.  

Oh yes, and remember, we love to welcome you with a cup of tea or coffee and a friendly face to chat with.  😄

The Repair Cafe is open every Saturday afternoon, from 1.30-4.30pm at Shedding Community Workshop (18 Prince Street, Mullumbimby).

The first Wednesday of every month our Shedders and friends enjoy gathering for a delicious meal and great conversation. Everyone is invited to bring a dish, snack or dessert to be shared or simply invited to make a donation if you have capacity. 

Regular workshops

UPSKILL
UPSKILL is the place to start your Shedding journey. It’s an introduction to the fundamentals of carpentry and building, and once you’ve done it you can jump into all our other workshops.

Day: 1x Saturday (check the website for dates)
Time: 8.30am-1.00pm
Cost: $50.00 (Can’t afford it? Get in touch)
Book in: Click here

SPACEMAKERS
SPACEMAKERS happens on Fridays and is our free workshop series where you get to collaboratively design and build a range of community projects. It’s such a fun time and a great place to practice your existing tool skills, learn some new ones, and share the joy of supporting each other.

Day: Fridays
Time: 10am-3pm
Cost: By donation
RSVP: To book your spot email us, or just drop by and say hi.

REPAIR CAFE
Join our host of volunteers every Saturday arvo as we passionately share skills to repair all manner of things. You don’t need to be an expert, basically if you can turn a screw driver anti-clockwise you’ve got the skills we need! 

Day: Saturdays
Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm
Cost: By donation
RSVP: Just drop by and say hi.

MONTHLY POTLUCK DINNERS
On the first Wednesday of each month our Shedding community comes together to share food, conversation and hands-on skills. We’re currently learning knot tying, it’s so much fun! 

Day: First Wednesday of the month
Time: 6pm-9pm
Cost: Bring a dish to share or a donation (recommended $10)
RSVP: Send us an email/facebook message

Can’t wait to get on tools with you!