SHEILAS RIGHT AT HOME IN SHACK
KATHY Cardona had a vision to create a welcoming space for women to come together “for a cuppa” and share their skills while making friends.
Five years ago The Sheilas Shack was created after a conversation of like-minded women who questioned why there were plenty of Men’s Sheds but none for women.
“I saw a need for an organisation for women,” Mrs Cardona said..
“We realised among the other non-profit groups (at Country Paradise Parklands), there was no group specifically for women. I was keen to do something about that … it wasn’t fair the blokes had a place but the sheilas didn’t.”
She put her idea to the management committee of the Nerang Country Paradise Association and they gladly supported the idea.
“I explained my idea to create a safe and friendly place where women could get together for a cuppa and share their knowledge and skills, have workshops and connect with others,” she said.
“This could be especially good for those who may feel isolated and not know how to connect with their community.
“It was to be a place for women from all walks of life, from young mothers and working women to retirees.”
Mrs Cardona, her husband, and a handful of friends set out to create the trailblazing nonprofit organisation.
They were given a premises, two rooms previously used as horse stables, which after a good clean and coat of paint and eventually a kitchen installed by the Men’s Shed, the new space was transformed into their beloved shack.
The group, which started with 10 members now welcomes 80 “sheilas” through its doors, offers book clubs, creative writing, self defence classes, meditation groups, painting, technology courses, cooking, candle making, knitting and much more.
“We have created a wonderful space where friendships are made, with many members getting together to go to Javeenbah Theatre, the movies, lunches, dinners, and group outings have included visits to Chinatown in Brisbane, the Crystal Castle in Mullumbimby and the Mudbrick Cottage Herb Farm,” she said.
The Sheilas Shack recently celebrated their fifth birthday and use fundraising to cover costs of their activities.
Membership is $20 and workshops are just $2 and the Shack is open every Thursday and Saturday, 9am to 12pm.
IT WAS TO BE A PLACE FOR WOMEN FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, FROM YOUNG MOTHERS AND WORKING WOMEN TO RETIREES. KATHY CARDONA