Men’s Sheds Join Forces with OzFish to Build Better Waterways
A unique partnership between Men’s Sheds in Central Queensland and OzFish is bringing local communities together to support healthier waterways through a hands-on series of fabrication workshops across the region.
Throughout late April and early May, Men’s Sheds in Rockhampton, Gracemere, Emu Park, Gladstone and Tannum Sands are hosting practical workshops to build Quilted Oyster Doonas (QODs) — innovative habitat modules designed to help oysters settle, filter water and rebuild lost shellfish reefs.
The initiative combines the practical skills, mateship and community spirit of Men’s Sheds with OzFish’s environmental restoration expertise.
Members from participating Sheds will work alongside experienced volunteers to fabricate the QOD structures, which will later be used in local restoration projects across the Capricorn Coast, Rockhampton and Gladstone regions.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the workshops are also creating opportunities for connection, learning and collaboration between Sheds and other community groups.
OzFish has supplied equipment and materials to support the project, including air compressors, clip guns and steel mesh, helping leave a lasting legacy for participating Sheds.
Queensland Men’s Shed Association welcomes partnerships like this that showcase the value of Men’s Sheds in regional communities — where practical skills can be put to work for local causes while strengthening social connection.
With BBQ lunches, shared knowledge and plenty of teamwork, this project is a great example of what can happen when community organisations come together for a common purpose.
We congratulate all participating Sheds for helping strengthen both community ties and local waterways.
Credit: This project is supported by Griffith University, James Cook University, Reef Catchments, BCF Gladstone, Great Barrier Reef Foundation (GBRF), the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEW), and the Gladstone, Emu Park, Yeppoon, Gracemere, Rockhampton, Tannum Sands Men’s Sheds and the Rockhampton Women’s Shed.
