Communities Connect Across Central West Queensland
A week of conversations, connections and community spirit recently brought people together across Central West Queensland as the Queensland Men's Shed Association (QMSA), local Men's Sheds, Barcaldine Regional Council and the Royal Flying Doctor Service teamed up to deliver a series of Resilient Minds Connected Communities events, aimed at supporting communities following the WQ surface trough and associated rainfall and flooding in March-May 2025.
Held in Aramac, Muttaburra, Alpha, Jericho Ilfracombe, Longreach and Barcaldine, the free sessions welcomed not only Shedders but community members from all walks of life, creating opportunities for locals to come together, share a meal, connect with one another and learn practical strategies for building resilience.
A key driver behind the tour was QMSA Central Queensland Zone Chairman David Kerrigan, who worked closely with Barcaldine Regional Council's Community Recovery and Resilience Officer, Debbie Young, to coordinate the events and help bring communities together across the region.
QMSA Health and Wellbeing Specialist Dr John Barletta lent his expertise and enthusiasm by presenting engaging sessions that shared practical insights on adapting to change, strengthening social connections and recognising the personal strengths that help people navigate challenges. The events focused on preventative wellbeing, which is particularly relevant for communities that have experienced the impacts of natural disasters in recent years.
Clinical staff from the Royal Flying Doctor Service supported the sessions, ensuring information and pathways to additional support were available if needed.
While the presentations provided valuable wellbeing information, the conversations before and after the sessions often left a lasting impression. Across every town, locals gathered over cups of tea, homemade cakes and shared meals, swapping stories, checking in with one another and strengthening the connections that help regional communities thrive.
"The real strength of these events is bringing people together," David said. "Whether you're a Shed member or not, it's about creating opportunities for people to connect, have a conversation and support one another."
The tour highlighted the important role local organisations can play when they work together towards a shared goal. By combining the local knowledge of community groups, the support of council and health services, and the welcoming environment of Men's Sheds, the events created opportunities for connection, learning and community resilience.
In addition to sharing his wellbeing expertise, John put his blacksmithing skills to use by donating a hand-forged Condamine bell as a door prize. Crafted by John himself in the forge at Maleny Men's Shed, the unique keepsake gave one lucky attendee the chance to take home a small piece of Shed history. You can read more about the unique history of the Condamine Bell and the blacksmiths keeping these historical traditions alive in our News blog article “Maleny Blacksmiths Ring True Blue”
David also took time to show John a few sights across the region (pictured below). One memorable stop included the opportunity to climb aboard a Blue Tractor, a powerful symbol of mental health awareness and suicide prevention in rural communities. The moment held special significance for John, who has long been passionate about supporting mental wellbeing. Read our article, “Community Shed Champions Mental Health: Blue Tractors for Change in Queensland”, to learn how one rural Shed has embraced this important initiative.
QMSA thanks David Kerrigan, Debbie Young, the participating Men's Sheds, Barcaldine Regional Council, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and our Health and Wellbeing Specialist Dr John Barletta, and everyone who attended and helped make the events such a success.
Many homemade cakes, cups of tea, yarns and laughs were enjoyed along the way, proving once again that bringing people together is often the first step in building stronger, more resilient communities.
Browse photos from the tour below.
