START A SHED

1. Do your homework

Have a look at where other Sheds may be located close-by just to make sure there isn’t a Shed already operating in your area.

2. Is there the need for a Shed in your Community?

Make sure there’s enough people keen to become members to make the Shed viable. 

3. Get some support for your idea

Find out who in your area is supportive of starting a shed. Simply use local noticeboards, social media or consider an ad in a community newspaper. Conducting a survey may provide information that you haven’t considered. Hold a public meeting!

4. Get your Community on side

To ensure community support, take them on the journey with you and keep your community informed every step of the way. While your Shed will become an important part of your community – your community may provide a source of trades related people and businesses that could provide invaluable assistance in getting your Shed up and running.

5. Form an interim Committee

From here your likeminded group can start the process of identifying a potential Shed location. Your local council may be of assistance in many ways. Either helping out with a suitable facility that can be rented or helping with a community owned building site, building permits and planning approvals. Have your committee visit a few existing Sheds to get some ideas about setting up and running a Shed.

6. FORMAL COMMITTEE

After finding a place to call home it is time to form a Formal Committee and commence the process of incorporation including the writing of a Constitution and applying for an ABN unless your Shed is going to be sponsored by an existing incorporated organisation. These are requirements for applying for assistance through most Grant bodies. Once you have  and have decided on what you require in the way of a building (either existing or new) then it’s time to look at funding for equipment, insurances, power etc

7. Membership Fees

Now it’s time to set your joining and annual membership fees.  Also, think about an induction process for members with regards to all aspects of becoming a member and of course safety issues.

8. What would your Shed like to achieve?

While our Sheds are wonderful places to make mates and make things learning new skills along the way. Sheds also add considerable value to their communities. It’s helpful to have a plan as to how you would like to help each other while also
helping your community.

TMSA have officers who can put you in touch with other Sheds who can offer help or advice and assistance throughout the whole process.