A brief history

The concept that a Men's Shed was needed in this area was conceived in 2011 following the severe floods that wreaked havoc through Brisbane in January that year. The first real progress towards this goal was made in January 2012 with a public meeting held at the Moggill Uniting Church where expressions of interest were sought from the public. Enthusiastic support for a Shed led to the first Bellbowrie Shed meeting, held on February 8th, in the Moggill Anglican Church Hall. The embryo shed initially met at the Anglican Church Hall and, while it had a degree of operational autonomy, it was legally administered under the broader provisions of the incorporated registration of Shed West at Kenmore. This legal administration continued until July 2018 when the Bellbowrie Shed gained separate incorporation as the Bellbowrie Moggill Community Mens Shed Inc. The Bellbowrie Shed owes much gratitude to Shed West for nurturing and supporting our early emergence, and continues to work closely with our neighbour including through provisions for joint associate membership.

Until 2013, the Bellbowrie Shed continued to meet at the Anglican Church Hall. Later that year the caretaker's cottage at the Qld Government's (now) Dept of Environment and Science (DES) facility at 55 Priors Pocket Road became available, with 2,500 sq.m. of land offering scope for more extensive shed activities. Initial official tenancy was formally established with the signing of a 'Licence to Occupy' in August 2014, with an initial one-year occupancy. This licence allowed for a number of three year extensions, the most recent of which continues until the end of 2027. 

Growing facilities

The shed has come a long way in a relatively short time. Having started with a white-ant infested and abandoned small cottage with an open carport, the cottage was repaired and repainted and structurally refurbished and the carport closed in to become our initial workshop. A grant was obtained for a 6 x 12m woodwork shed, completed in 2016, and a timber storage facility was erected with a roof provided over the storage area. A roof was also provided over the back patio, and concrete access path provided to the rear workshop. The rear of the cottage was extended and enclosed to provide additional work space. A second new 6 x 9m shed was erected in December 2023 for the expanding metalwork group. Other improvements include disability access pathways and car parking and a garden/ storage shed. Extensive gardening and landscaping have also been undertaken. All of these projects have been managed and undertaken by shed members, drawing on the extensive range of professional experience available.