It’s the brainchild of local woman Tina Kemp, who moved to the area from Forster two years ago, and as she has no friends or family around began to feel very socially isolated.

She did volunteer work in Forster for the Women’s Shed up there and realised it was a service that was desperately needed down here too.

“I believed there was a big need in this area; to cut out that social isolation that’s happening,” Ms. Kemp said.

Ms. Kemp approached Ability Links (a division of St. Vincent De Paul Society) as she suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, and they are assisting her with starting up the group.

The idea of the Women’s Shed is to create a safe place “for women just being women” in a non-judgemental environment for support, information about local services and to form friendships.

Ms. Kemp said while it will be a women’s only group, the idea is not about separating women and men, but creating a comfortable and supportive environment for women of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life.

She also said there will be activities for the women to participate in; however it is a no obligation group so women can just turn up and have a cup of tea or a place to relax if they desire.

There will also be a ‘no hierarchy’ approach to the group, meaning everyone who wants to will get a say and is included in the discussion.

“I don’t want hierarchy, labels or titles, we are all there just with our heart and passion and ourselves,” she said.

Ms. Kemp said it is also a great facility for women who want to give something back and who can help out others, but don’t know where to start.

“There are so many great women around that have nowhere to help,” she said.

“You get a group of women together and amazing things will happen.”

Ms. Kemp has received great feedback from the community so far and is seeking local people and businesses to sponsor the group and help get it off the ground.

The Women’s Shed is also looking for a permanent home within the community, somewhere the women can meet at the same time each week, preferably during school hours.

She is hoping in the future to establish a kids’ corner, have guest speakers, free clothes exchange and pamper days.

If you can help out the Women’s Shed or are interested in participating, call Mishelle Dal Bianco of Ability Links on 4905 0723 or Ms. Kemp on 0401 868 357 between 10am and 2pm on weekdays.

UPDATE: 

The first gathering of the Community Women’s Shed will be held on Friday, June 5 at the former Jehovah’s Witness hall on the corner of Alexandra and Northcote Streets, Kurri.

The meeting will run from 11am to 1pm; kids are welcome and morning tea will be provided.