The Deloraine Community Shed is humming with the sound of saws, conversation and community spirit. The man in charge is Tim Whitely, the shed’s long-serving coordinator, who has helped transform it into more than just a woodworking space.
Funded through the Tasmanian health system, the shed caters mainly to people around retirement age. “We are primarily aiming at 65s and over,” he explains, noting that its weekday hours make it particularly accessible for older community members. However all members of the community are welcome.
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The atmosphere is jovial. On any given day, between four and 20 people might be at work sanding, gluing or sharing ideas. “They bounce ideas off each other, help each other,” Whitely says. “It’s a great group here. Whether beginners or experienced craftspeople, everyone chips in.”
A key draw is the low barrier to entry. “We have a $2 a day donation system only for the days that you’re here,” Whitely notes. “There’s no fee over the year or anything like that.” Participants are welcome to bring their own timber or purchase from local suppliers, though Bunnings is gently discouraged. “It’s not timber!” Whitely quips.
Tasmania’s unique timbers are a point of pride. “We try to promote Tasmanian timber as much as anything,” he says, listing Huon Pine, Blackwood, Sassafras, Myrtle and Celery Top Pine among the favourites. He described Huon Pine as “just beautiful to work with. Carves like butter.” Blackwood, by contrast, is more universal and versatile, though with a downside: its dust can cause health issues. “You just wear masks when you’re working with it.”
Sassafras, particularly the rare “black heart” variety, has surpassed even Huon Pine in value. Its vivid colours are the result of a fungal infection that occurs late in the tree’s life. “It can be purples, greens, yellows. And if you microwave it after chopping it, it’ll retain the colour,” says Whitely.
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Myrtle, a former staple for flooring, is now prized for its deep reds and durability. “Big, gnarly, twisty. Things that you’d expect out of a Tolkien sort of story,” he says with a grin. But it’s Celery Top Pine that holds a special place for Whitely. “I love celery Top Pine. It’s blonder than Huon pine, but a much more structural sort of timber.”
Many shed users come in with no background in woodworking. “Most people have just heard about the place they get to a point in their life and they want to build something,” he says. A typical journey begins with making cutting boards to learn the basics, then progresses to complex furniture. “Some of the furniture that comes out of here is great. There was a guy who made grandfather clocks which were stunning.”
The Deloraine shed isn’t just for men. “It’s not a men’s shed,” Whitely says. “It’s nice to have a mix of people.” One local woman, with no prior woodworking experience, has been restoring storm-damaged furniture with the help of the shed’s members. “She’s almost getting to the point where we can put the dining table back together and do the final finish on it.”
Equipped with industrial-grade machines including table saws, lathes and more, the shed is both a workshop and a social hub. “Lunchtimes and morning teas are great communal chats,” Whitely says. “Today we’ve just spent three hours having lunch, chatting and talking away.”
Beyond personal projects, the shed also contributes to the wider community. “We help some of the local businesses building stuff. Places like Trowunna, we did breeding boxes for the Devils and we did transport boxes for the Devil Rescue Program.”
Donations of timber and tools from individuals and local businesses help keep the shed running. “We take pretty much anything like that. If we can’t use it, we can always give it to other sheds.”
Whitely has been at the shed for nearly a decade, and shows no sign of slowing down. “I just love it. I just love the community atmosphere and helping others.”
The Deloraine Community Shed is open Monday to Wednesday from 9am – 4pm.
