Wednesday, 19 August 2026
South-West Men’s Sheds Come Together at Heywood Roadshow
The Victorian Men’s Shed Association’s South-West Roadshow was held in Heywood on Friday 14 August, bringing together shedders, community organisations and supporters from across the region for a day of connection, learning and conversation.
Shedders from Heywood, Portland, Port Fairy, Cavendish, Hamilton, Camperdown, Warrnambool, Koroit, Terang, Nelson and Casterton men’s sheds attended the event, highlighting the strength of the men’s shed movement throughout Victoria’s south-west.
The day began with a bacon and egg breakfast, prepared and served by the Heywood Lions Club, before attendees were welcomed by Jim, VMSA Regional Coordinator.
Throughout the morning, shedders heard from a range of speakers, including Karen Stephens from Glenelg Shire Council, Ambulance Victoria and Leigh Parker from Heywood Rural Health. Total Dust Extraction also shared information with attendees, while peer educators from the Prostate Cancer Foundation were on hand at an information table to provide advice and resources.
Facilitated discussions gave shedders a chance to connect and learn from one another, covering community participation, membership promotion and the important role men’s sheds play in supporting men’s health, wellbeing and social connection.
Celebrating our South-West sheds
The event also celebrated the achievements of local sheds through the presentation of the VMSA South-West Shed Community Awards, proudly sponsored by Bonney Energy.
The awards recognise the dedication, innovation and community spirit that continue to strengthen the men’s shed movement across the region.
Heywood Men’s Shed Treasurer Warren Finck presented the awards, with Cavendish Men’s Shed and Camperdown Men’s Shed named this year’s recipients.
Cavendish Men’s Shed
Cavendish Men’s Shed President Graeme Hauesler accepted the award on behalf of the shed.
The shed was recognised for its strong contribution to its local community, including assisting with jobs for Cavendish Primary School and the local kindergarten, building bird nesting boxes for Landcare, creating planter boxes for the P&A Society in Hamilton and making shields for local sheepdog trials.
Members also recycle timber to create items for the community and are known for providing a welcoming environment for members and visitors alike.
Cavendish is also a strong supporter of regional shed networking, with six members attending the Heywood Roadshow.
Camperdown Men’s Shed
Camperdown Men’s Shed Coordinator John Dunn accepted the award on behalf of the shed.
Camperdown was recognised as a welcoming and community-minded shed that actively connects with other sheds throughout the region.
Members recently helped celebrate the 100th birthday of fellow shedder Albert Beasley. Albert continues to enjoy being part of the shed and contributes by helping with sanding projects.
The shed has also built bench seats for the Mount Leura Committee and the South Beach Committee at Lake Bullen Merri, demonstrating the practical contribution its members make within their local community.
Camperdown continues to be a strong participant in South-West networking events, with four members attending each of the past two Heywood Roadshows.
Connection and conversation
Following lunch, shedders enjoyed entertainment from Jeff Mizzi, providing a relaxed atmosphere for networking and conversation.
The afternoon session focused on VMSA’s Help Us Build a Future campaign, with shedders sharing ideas on how to raise awareness of the positive impact men’s sheds have in their local communities.
VMSA extends its thanks to all shedders, presenters, sponsors, volunteers and supporters who contributed to the day.
A special thank you goes to Sandra, Terry and Warren from Heywood Men’s Shed, who worked alongside VMSA to help organise the Roadshow, the Heywood Lions Club for getting the day off to a great start with breakfast, and Bonney Energy for its valued sponsorship of the South-West Shed Community Awards.
Events such as the South-West Roadshow play an important role in strengthening connections between sheds, sharing knowledge and celebrating the remarkable work being undertaken by men’s sheds throughout Victoria.
