Maleny Men's Shed Celebrates Opening of New "Shedquarters"
The Queensland Men's Shed Association congratulates Maleny & District Men's Shed on the official opening of its new "Shedquarters", marking the successful completion of a community-driven project more than a decade in the making.
The milestone was celebrated on 31 July 2026, with shed members, volunteers, supporters, community groups and local dignitaries gathering to officially open the facility and recognise the remarkable effort that brought the vision to life. Joining the celebrations were QMSA Chairman, Lawrie Bingham, CEO Frank Pearce and Sunshine Coast Zone Chairman Chris Blignaut, who acknowledged the dedication and perseverance shown by the Maleny Men's Shed team throughout the project.
For Maleny Men's Shed, the new building represents far more than bricks and mortar. It provides a welcoming space where men can come together to build friendships, share skills, work on projects, support one another and strengthen connections within their community.
Adding to its significance is the building's unique military heritage.
Known as a Lysaght Hut, the structure traces its origins back to the Vietnam War era. In the mid-1960s, John Lysaght Ltd was commissioned to manufacture a series of prefabricated buildings for the Australian Army. Designed to be easily transported and assembled in challenging conditions, the huts served a variety of purposes including accommodation, hospitals, workshops, mess halls and storage facilities in South Vietnam.
When Australian operations concluded, several unused huts remained in their original crates and were returned to Australia. Decades later, these surplus structures were made available to community not-for-profit organisations.
Maleny & District Men's Shed application to secure one of the huts was successful, and the Hut was collected from Wallangarra in six boxes and delivered to Maleny. Following a complex approval process, the Shed was erected almost entirely by Shed members - with professional tradies engaged when needed.
In recognition of the building's military history and as a tribute to the Australian servicemen who served in Vietnam, members chose the name "Shedquarters".
The opening of Shedquarters stands as a testament to the determination, commitment and teamwork of the Maleny Men's Shed membership. It also highlights the important role Men's Sheds continue to play in fostering mateship, wellbeing and social connection across Queensland communities.
“Shedquarters” will give generations of blokes space to connect and share!
Article published 13 August 2026
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For a deeper dive into the history of Lysaght Huts and other Men’s Sheds, read From Vietnam War to Noosa: The story behind Noosa Men’s Shed’s “Long Shed”
