📄 Q&A's

FAQ's



1. General

What is Women’s Shed Canberra?

WSC is a supportive non-profit community space where women come together to learn, create, and connect. We offer educational workshops, online content, a workspace with access to tools, and a welcoming environment to empower women of all ages and backgrounds.

Who can participate?

Our shed is open to all women aged 18 and above. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, all skill levels are welcome!

Do I need to bring anything?

For Drop-in Sessions, members are encouraged to bring their projects from home and any materials needed. We provide tools for members to share, but members are welcome to bring in their own tools. Our Workshops include all materials, just bring yourself 😊

How do I sign up for a workshop or event?

You can sign up for workshops through our events page on our website. Space may be limited, usually max 8 people, so we recommend registering early.

Can I request a refund?

As outlined in our Terms & Conditions, Refunds for event tickets (including workshops, eCourses, or team-building sessions) can be requested by written email at least 72 hours before the event. Refund requests made within 72 hours of the event will not be accepted, except under exceptional circumstances at WSC’s sole discretion.

Can I use the workshop space or machines as a one-off?

Yes, you can use the workshop space and machines on a one-off basis. However, there is a fee of $20 to cover liability and insurance. Additionally, a WSC Facilitator must be present during your use of the space and equipment. Please book into our General Access Hours or contact us in advance to ensure that the space and facilitator are available for your intended use.

What are the Operating Hours?

Due to the limited capacity of our facilitators, the Women's Shed Canberra (WSC) does not currently have any standard operating hours outside of the scheduled workshops and events advertised on our website. However, we do offer General Access Hours on Tues, Wed and Thur from 3PM to 5PM. Bookings are required.

Is WSC the same as a Men’s Shed but for Women?

While there are some similarities—both are affiliated with the Australian Men’s Shed Association and provide community spaces aimed at skill-sharing—they serve different purposes:

Aspect

Men’s Shed

WSC (Women’s Shed Canberra)

Target Audience

Primarily for men, focusing on older or retired individuals.

Open to women of all backgrounds and experience levels, starting from age 18.

Purpose and Focus

Focuses on social interaction, men’s health, and skill-sharing among men, with a community or hobbyist focus.

Focuses on empowering women through learning DIY and trade skills, with workshops led by experienced facilitators.

Structure

Operates as a community club offering informal social activities and gatherings.

Operates as a social enterprise, offering paid workshops and educational opportunities to ensure sustainability while serving the community.


2. Membership

Is there a fee?

Yes, we offer membership options that provide access to Drop-in Workshops and some exclusive events. Alternatively, we also have pay-per-workshop ticket options for those who prefer to attend as a non-member.  

When is Membership Due?​​​

Our membership cycle, except for our subscription, follows the calendar year. This is to streamline our tracking process by ensuring all memberships are current and renewed at the same time. This approach helps us manage membership records more efficiently and provides a consistent experience for all our members. 

What are the different Membership options?​​​

We offer three options for memberships:

  • Term 1 (February to June) 
  • Term 2 (July to December)
  • Annual (February to January)
  • Subscription (Monthly)

Each of the Term options is priced at $80, while the Annual membership is available for $120, providing a savings benefit compared to purchasing two separate Terms. In addition, Annual Members are granted the opportunity to attend and vote during the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Are there any prerequisites or referrals needed to join?

There are no prerequisites or referrals needed to become a member; our Shed is open to all women 18+ who are eager to learn and connect with a supportive community.


3. Events & Workshops

How is the workshop fee calculated?

Our workshop prices reflect the quality of instruction, materials, and resources provided to ensure a valuable learning experience. Each session is led by skilled instructors, and we strive to keep class sizes small for personalised guidance. Additionally, costs cover venue hire, insurance, and access to shared tools and equipment. As a social enterprise, any revenue goes directly back into running and expanding Women's Shed Canberra, allowing us to offer more programs, improve facilities, and support our community. We also seek funding and grants to keep costs as accessible as possible.

Our standard 2-hour workshop sessions cost $165 per participant. Here's how that fee is typically allocated:

  • Materials ($35, 21%): Wood, hardware, consumables, project supplies
  • Facilitator Fee ($75, 46%): Expert instruction, planning, preparation time
  • Venue & Utilities ($15, 9%): Space rental, electricity, bin hire
  • Tools & Equipment ($20, 12%): Maintenance, replacement, upgrades of shared equipment
  • Insurance ($10, 6%): Public liability, equipment insurance, and participant injury coverage
  • Administration ($10, 6%): Booking systems, communication, documentation

Total: $165 (100%)

Note: Costs shown are approximate and may vary by workshop type and duration. We continuously seek grants and partnerships to help offset costs while maintaining high-quality instruction and safety standards.

What types of activities are offered?

We offer a variety of workshops, including woodworking, DIY projects, upcycling, and more. We also host special events and guest workshops on different skills and interests.  If you have a particular activity or interest you would like us to consider, please contact us.