A brief time line in the formation of the Highfields Men’s Shed:

In late December 2011, three men namely Roy Barnes, Bill Royal and Tim Buckley met at Tim’s place and discussed the idea of a forming Men’s Shed in the Highfields area.

On Thursday 5th January 2012 at 09:00 am, it was announced through Community resources eg: Toowoomba’s older men’s network (TOMNET); that men interested in forming a Men’s Shed should meet at the Highfields Scout Hall in Cecil Crescent, Highfields, the following Thursday at 09:00 am.

On Thursday 12th January 2012 at 09:00 am, several men attended and determined that a meeting a would be held on Friday 20th January 2012.

On Friday 20 January 2012, the Inaugural Meeting for the Shed was held at the Highfields Scout Hall. Some of the members present during that meeting were: Roy Barnes, Bill Royal, Tim Buckley, John Smith, Eddie Johnson and Les Wildman.

On Friday 9th February 2012, The Highfields Men’s Shed met at the Highfields Scout Hall to formally announce their formation and select committee members. Jan Bell from TOMNET attended this meeting to discuss insurance and legislative requirements.

President:  Roy Barnes (Resigned Membership 2013)

Secretary/Treasurer:  John Smith

The Story Continues 2013 – 2016:

The shed was required to move from the Scout Hall, after a complaint allegedly about the creation of dust and noise, being made during shed activities. Nonetheless the members persevered and approached the Danish Flower Art for the use of part of their premises to conduct shed activities.

This was agreed upon with the shed members being required to mow the grounds and conduct building maintenance in lieu of rent. The membership of the shed continued to grow, with the shed at the Danish Flower Art becoming inadequate for the purpose of conducting shed activities.

The shed then relocated to an old house on the New England Highway beside the Chocolate Factory in Highfields. This initially was a sound arrangement for the shed, as the only expense was the use of power and water, with no requirement to pay rent. But it was too good to be true, as after a short period of time, the members arrived to find that the locks had been changed on the building and a solicitor’s notice pinned to the door stating, ‘that the premises had been seized and that no one was to enter on or remove property from it.’  After consulting and negotiating with the solicitor’s, it was agreed that the shed could remain at the premises until such time as the matters involving the owner had proceeded through the judicial bureaucracy etc.

Meanwhile the search was continuing for suitable land upon which to build a permanent shed. Unfortunately despite approaching the Toowoomba Regional Council for suitable land within the Highfields local area, it soon became apparent that the wish to build locally in Highfields was just not going to happen, as there was no available land that could be utilized. Meanwhile Toowoomba Regional Council advised that the only available land that could be utilized was Crown land located just off Shostaki Road, Cabarlah. After much discussion it was decided to accept the Council’s offer of the Crown land. Whilst this decision did not sit well with some members, due to the fact that it was not in Highfields, it was the only real option open to the shed if it wanted to have a permanent home, located close to Highfields.

Due to publicity in the local media about the fact that old house had been seized, an offer was made to the shed, regarding the use of the ‘Old Green Sprouts Facility’, located on Evans Road East, Cabarlah. It was later agreed that the shed would move to Evans Road East, the unfortunate downside to this was that the shed had to pay rent ($250 per week). Given that this was a substantial financial burden on the shed, it is real credit to the determination, unity, strength and support of the membership that through their efforts the shed was able to be viable and kept alive the vision to have our own shed.

Sponsorship was actively sought during this period at Evans Road East, and it is with a huge deal of appreciation and gratitude that the shed owes to Metroll Pty Ltd through their subsidiaries Aussie Outdoor Sheds and Patios, CJR Industries and Plumbing Supplies (since closed 2016), who took on the role of being the shed’s major sponsor. Through their generosity, the shed became a reality with the donation of the shed kit and associated plumbing supplies. In return the shed actively promotes Aussie Outdoor Shed and Patios for example providing a presence and assistance at Farm Fest. In addition to providing material support, CJR Industries and Plumbing Supplies also had held Golf Days with funds raised going to the shed. Other avenues were also actively pursued to raise funds such as Sausage Sizzles, constructing and obtaining donations for Mynah Bird Traps, with substantial grants from the Queensland Community and Gaming Fund and Heritage Bank Crows Nest Community Fund.

Members of the Shed were involved in restoring the Goombungee State School recreation areas and gardens utilizing a grant obtained from Australia Post during this period, actively promoting shed in the community. Their efforts and the shed’s profile in the local community were well rewarded when the shed was nominated for and awarded an Australia Day Award in 2015.