IT WAS a huge weekend of all things music, mateship and positive health with the Shed Music Festival 26 taking place from Friday, October 16 through to Sunday, October 18. Hosted and initiated by the Coolum Men’s Shed, the festival has grown significantly in just three short years and saw people come from across the country to take part in this year’s festival.

The weekend kicked off on Friday evening at the Coolum Men’s Shed in Quanda Park with a ‘jam’ and BBQ, and Mayor Rosanna Natoli officially opened the festival and also joined the shedders for a sing-a-long.

The festival then moved to the indoor comfort of the Coolum Civic Centre for the remainder of the festival, with a diverse range of performances taking to the stage.

Winners were also announced in the Queensland Men’s Shed Songwriting Competition, with Bruce Uhlorn from the Coolum Men’s Shed declared the winner for his song ‘Neptune Didn’t Claim Us Today’.

Joint Runners-Up were Bob Barford from Coolum Men’s Shed for ‘Sail Away’ and
Bruce Richard Morgan from Noosa Men’s Shed for ‘I Am Home (Wherever We Go)’.

The competition invited Men’s Shed members from across Queensland to share their stories through original music, celebrating the creativity, experiences and talents that thrive within the Shed movement.

QMSA Chief Executive Officer Frank Pearce said the quality of entries highlighted the remarkable creative talent across Queensland’s Men’s Sheds.

“The stories shared through these songs reflect the spirit of the Shed movement, friendship, resilience, humour and a lifetime of experiences. Congratulations to all entrants, and particularly our award recipients, for having the courage to put their creativity on display.”

The event was also a wonderful celebration of community, with Shed members, fellow shedders and the broader community turning out in droves to support their mates. The enthusiasm and encouragement shown during the event reflected the strong friendships and connections that make Men’s Sheds such an important part of community life.

About Men’s Sheds  
Men’s Sheds provide welcoming spaces where men can connect, contribute to their communities, learn new skills and support one another’s wellbeing. Representing more than 160 Men’s Sheds across Queensland, the Queensland Men’s Shed Association strengthens and supports the Shed movement through advocacy, programs, events, and practical assistance that help Sheds thrive. For information on the Coolum Men’s Shed, please visit https://www.coolummensshed.org