CASTLEMAINE & SURROUNDS WOMEN'S SHED

CSWS started in 2017 as an online group set up to connect women, especially single women, with each other and opportunities to learn new skills.

From late 2022 to early 2025 the Shed has run monthly workshops at Castlemaine Community House (CCH). These have covered all sorts of topics from building planter boxes, to plastering, to restoring hand tools. In 2023, with the support of the community and Mount Alexander Shire, we purchased additional tools to equip our (bright orange!) Tradie Trailer.

CSWS launched a new fundraising campaign on International Women’s Day 2025, seeking to raise $60,000+. These funds will help us establish our own venue where all women, trans-gender and gender diverse folk can meet in a safe, social and supportive space with the facilities and tools needed to host workshops on construction, DIY and trades.

The Steering Committee is also in the process of seeking incorporation for the Women’s Shed to support our growth. While we will continue to host gatherings and workshops throughout the year, they will be less frequent as we focus on incorporation and fundraising.

FIND OUT MORE

Check out our Facebook page for the latest events.

You can contribute to our fundraising efforts by heading to our Shed Fundraiser page.

You can also support us by becoming a member of CSWS. Go to our Membership page to find out more.

Castlemaine Women's Shed Working Committee

The CSWS Steering Committee is currently comprised of co-founder Johanna Winchcomb, Suli Tera, Amy Jones and Rachel Close.

If you would like to join the Steering Committee please email us: castlemainesurroundswomensshed@gmail.com.

We’re looking for people with a diverse range of skills including governance, membership management, fundraising, events, and communications/social media. We would also love to hear from you if you have skills to share without wanting to join the committee.

SUPPORTERS OF CASTLEMAINE WOMEN AND SURROUNDS WOMEN'S SHED

There are a host of people in our community who help make Castlemaine & Surrounds Women's Shed happen. We'd like to acknowledge and thank the following organisations and businesses for their support.

Thanks to Zoe Astrid for originating our social media group, and to past committee members: co-founder Alona Kanigher, Jan Roest, Claire Wiglesworth, Donna Morelli, Gayle Gissing, Fionna Allan and Josie Berto.

We wish to give a special acknowledgment of Lana Osterfield who passed away in 2025. Lana was a valued member of the Castlemaine & Surrounds Women’s Shed contributing as a member of the Steering Committee and running workshops. She is sadly missed.

There are many others out there in our wonderful community who have supported us in many ways , and we thank you too!