Close-up of weathered hands working on a wooden joint in a bright sunlit workshop

    Joining is the easy bit. Walking through the door for the first time is where most blokes pause — and it's the bit we'll make painless.

    Here's exactly how it works, what it costs, and what happens when you turn up.

    Who it's for

    We're open to men of all ages. We don't have a retirement-only rule. We don't have a trade-skills rule. We don't have a "you have to talk a lot" rule.

    You'll fit in if you are…

    • check_circleRetired or semi-retired and the week's getting long
    • check_circleBetween jobs and want somewhere to be during the day
    • check_circleWorking from home and missing the blokes at the old office
    • check_circleRecently moved to Brisbane and don't know anyone
    • check_circleGoing through a rough patch — divorce, grief, health — and need somewhere low-pressure to spend time
    • check_circleA hobbyist who wants access to tools you couldn't fit in your garage
    • check_circleA tradie who wants to give a bit back and mentor other blokes
    • check_circleSomeone a family member sent here because "you need to get out more"

    If you're a bloke and you're reading this — you'll fit in.

    "But I'm not sure if…"

    "I don't know anyone."

    Neither did anyone else when they started. Walk in on a shed day, someone will spot you in about 30 seconds, put a coffee in your hand and show you around.

    "I don't have any skills."

    Half the shed didn't either. We've got blokes who'd never used a power tool and now they're running workshops. You learn by doing, at your own pace, with someone showing you.

    "I don't have tools."

    Good — don't bring any. We've got everything. Even the kettle.

    "I'm not really a 'shed bloke'."

    We've got painters, potters, gardeners, chess players and people who just like the company. Shed is a label, not a requirement.

    "I'm too young." / "I'm too old."

    We're men of all ages. The shed's been around for 15 years — and plenty of our most active members are well into their 80s. If you're a bloke, come down.

    "I'm worried about my health / mobility."

    The facility is accessible. You can do as much or as little as you like. If sitting down with a cuppa and watching the workshop is your speed, that's fine. If you can't come in, a member might be able to drop off a project and a chat.

    What it costs

    ~$100 per year

    That covers insurance, tools, consumables, electricity, and the tea bags.

    What's included

    • checkFull access to the workshop, art & craft studio, garden and facilities
    • checkUse of all tools and equipment (after safety induction)
    • checkAccess to timber, offcuts and some consumables
    • checkGuest-speaker nights and monthly meetings
    • checkQuarterly newsletter
    • checkFull voting rights at the AGM
    • checkTea, coffee and the occasional snag at a BBQ

    What's not included

    • closeSpecialty materials for your own personal projects (you supply those)
    • closeAnything you want to take home that we made for the shop (but we give members a good rate)

    Apply Online

    Fill out the form below and it goes straight to our committee. No need to print anything — we'll review your application and be in touch by email.

    Personal Details
    Privacy & Consent
    Your details are stored securely in our membership system and kept confidential within the association, except where you've given permission above to share them with other members.
    Emergency Contact Details
    You will be asked to complete a separate Medical Records Form in person, held in confidence by the Management Committee.
    Code of Practice
    1.I will attend the Centenary Suburbs Men's Shed with the understanding that the Shed Management Committee, the Shed Manager and the Team Leaders will take every effort to maintain a safe environment in the shed for participants and volunteers.
    2.I understand that I am to take responsibility for my personal health and well-being while working in the shed and that I have a responsibility to maintain a healthy and safe environment for all people in the shed.
    3.I will obey safety signs as displayed in the shed.
    4.I will obey instructions when issued by the shed supervisors.
    5.I will not smoke cigarettes or vape in the shed or within 5 metres of the shed.
    6.I will not attempt to work in the shed while I am intoxicated with liquor or drugs.
    7.I will not work alone in the shed.
    8.I will take personal responsibility for my personal items taken into the shed.
    9.I will not wilfully damage the shed environment or anyone's personal property.
    10.I will avoid violence, swearing and aggressive behaviour.
    11.I will treat others with respect.
    12.I will maintain reasonable standards of dress, hygiene and grooming.
    13.I will participate in programmed activities and encourage others to take part.
    14.I will take an active role with regard to making decisions about programs, program content and expressing personal needs and goals.
    15.I understand that associate membership relates to the Art Program and social activities only.
    Statement of Work Experience and Qualifications
    Are You Prepared to Help?

    Select any areas you'd be happy to help with (you can choose more than one).

    By submitting, your application will be sent to our committee for review. We'll be in touch by email.

    Prefer the paper route? Three steps

    1

    Visit first (optional but recommended)

    There's nearly always someone about, but if you're coming down for the first time, make it a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday morning, 7:00am to 11:30am. That's when there's someone on hand to put the kettle on and show you round.

    2

    Download the application form

    It's a PDF. Print it, fill it in.

    downloadDownload Form
    3

    Submit it

    Bring it to the shed, post it to PO Box 3026, Darra QLD 4076, or scan and email to info@csms.org.au. The committee reviews applications and gets back to you.

    What happens after you apply

    • event_noteWe review your application at the next committee meeting.
    • contact_mailWe get in touch to let you know you're in — usually within a week.
    • engineeringWe book you a short safety induction — this is so you know how to use the workshop safely, where everything is, and who to ask when you don't know something. Takes about an hour.
    • handshakeYou're a member. Come in whenever the shed's open.

    When the shed is open

    schedule
    WorkshopThere's nearly always someone about, but if you're coming down for the first time, make it a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday morning, 7:00am to 11:30am.
    palette
    Art & Craft StudioWednesday — 9:00am to 2:00pm
    content_cut
    Craft studio (incl. leather work)Mondays & Thursdays, 8:00am to 11:30am

    Quick FAQ

    Ready?

    Quickest way is to just walk in. You can also fill out the online form above, or download the PDF below — whichever feels easiest.

    downloadDownload the membership formPrefer to visit first? Here's how to find usarrow_forward