Kaniva Men’s Shed - Shoulder to shoulder
The Kaniva Men’s Shed is a welcoming community space where men can come together, connect and feel part of something meaningful. Whether you want to work on projects, learn new skills, or simply enjoy a coffee and a chat, there is a place for you here.
The Shed is supported by LINK Neighbourhood House and West Wimmera Shire Council, and is sustained through the efforts of its members and community fundraising.
Fundraising helps cover the Shed’s running costs and supports ongoing projects. This includes the sale of:
The Kaniva Men’s Shed is a practical, hands-on space where skills, conversation and community come together.
Projects have included:
A place for connection
More than just a workshop, the Shed is a social space that plays an important role in men’s wellbeing and mental health. Members meet regularly to talk, share experiences and support each other. Tuesdays are our main social day, where members gather for coffee, biscuits and conversation — sometimes with a cake or scone if we’re lucky. It is a relaxed, welcoming environment where friendships are built and everyone is valued.
Join us
The Kaniva Men’s Shed welcomes men of all ages — you don’t need any special skills or experience.
You might want to:
Meeting times:
Support the Shed
The Kaniva Men’s Shed is a valuable local asset, and community support helps it continue its work.
You can support the Shed by:
Contact us
For more information or to get involved, please get in touch:
Our History
The Kaniva Men’s Shed began through the efforts of local community members who recognised the need for a dedicated space where men could connect, support one another, and work together.
The journey started in 2010 when David Boughton, a minister with the Kaniva Salvation Army, ran an early Men’s Shed-style program with a small group of locals. When he left the district, the future of the program was uncertain. At that point, local community members including Mal Coutts, Charlie Ferrier, and Butch Witmitz helped carry the idea forward, with valuable support from Geoff Witmitz in Horsham.
To explore how other Men’s Sheds operated, a group of local men travelled by bus to visit sheds in Minyip, Warracknabeal and Nhill. These visits helped shape a shared vision for what a Kaniva Men’s Shed could become.
Around this time, the former menswear shop in Kaniva became available. It was purchased by the Kaniva Rotary Club and later generously donated to the West Wimmera Shire Council for the purpose of establishing a Men’s Shed. Alongside this, a significant bequest from the Pluckrose Estate, Rotary support, grant funding, and strong community contributions helped bring the project to life.
The Shed officially opened on 4 March 2016, launched by local Member for Lowan Emma Kealy MP, with around 28 founding members.
Since then, the Shed has continued to grow steadily and remains a valued community space for connection, conversation and practical projects. In 2026, the Kaniva Men’s Shed proudly celebrated 10 years since its official opening, marking a decade of mateship, support and community service.
The Kaniva Men’s Shed is a welcoming community space where men can come together, connect and feel part of something meaningful. Whether you want to work on projects, learn new skills, or simply enjoy a coffee and a chat, there is a place for you here.
The Shed is supported by LINK Neighbourhood House and West Wimmera Shire Council, and is sustained through the efforts of its members and community fundraising.
Fundraising helps cover the Shed’s running costs and supports ongoing projects. This includes the sale of:
- Handmade kindling ($7 per bag, available next door at Lane 36)
- Refurbished and donated furniture
- Community-made goods and repairs
The Kaniva Men’s Shed is a practical, hands-on space where skills, conversation and community come together.
Projects have included:
- Refurbishing heritage bench seats along the main street
- Restoring seating at Rogerson Street Playground
- Building tree guards for local Landcare planting days
- Supporting the Kaniva Op Shop with equipment improvements
- Small repairs, including mobility scooter (gopher) tyre repairs
- Growing vegetables for members to share
- Making kindling and restoring donated furniture
A place for connection
More than just a workshop, the Shed is a social space that plays an important role in men’s wellbeing and mental health. Members meet regularly to talk, share experiences and support each other. Tuesdays are our main social day, where members gather for coffee, biscuits and conversation — sometimes with a cake or scone if we’re lucky. It is a relaxed, welcoming environment where friendships are built and everyone is valued.
Join us
The Kaniva Men’s Shed welcomes men of all ages — you don’t need any special skills or experience.
You might want to:
- Get involved in hands-on projects
- Learn new skills
- Or simply enjoy good company and conversation
Meeting times:
- Tuesdays (social day): from 2.00pm
- Monthly lunches: second Tuesday of each month at 12.00pm
Support the Shed
The Kaniva Men’s Shed is a valuable local asset, and community support helps it continue its work.
You can support the Shed by:
- Buying locally made kindling at Lae 36 ($7 per bag)
- Purchasing refurbished furniture
- Donating old pallets or unwanted furniture suitable for reuse
- Becoming a member
Contact us
For more information or to get involved, please get in touch:
- President Butch Witmitz, Secretary Maurie Ashfield, Treasurer Ross Dodson
- Open most weekdays from 10 - 4pm
- Phone Butch Witmitz 0418 822 868
- About Men's Sheds: Website
Our History
The Kaniva Men’s Shed began through the efforts of local community members who recognised the need for a dedicated space where men could connect, support one another, and work together.
The journey started in 2010 when David Boughton, a minister with the Kaniva Salvation Army, ran an early Men’s Shed-style program with a small group of locals. When he left the district, the future of the program was uncertain. At that point, local community members including Mal Coutts, Charlie Ferrier, and Butch Witmitz helped carry the idea forward, with valuable support from Geoff Witmitz in Horsham.
To explore how other Men’s Sheds operated, a group of local men travelled by bus to visit sheds in Minyip, Warracknabeal and Nhill. These visits helped shape a shared vision for what a Kaniva Men’s Shed could become.
Around this time, the former menswear shop in Kaniva became available. It was purchased by the Kaniva Rotary Club and later generously donated to the West Wimmera Shire Council for the purpose of establishing a Men’s Shed. Alongside this, a significant bequest from the Pluckrose Estate, Rotary support, grant funding, and strong community contributions helped bring the project to life.
The Shed officially opened on 4 March 2016, launched by local Member for Lowan Emma Kealy MP, with around 28 founding members.
Since then, the Shed has continued to grow steadily and remains a valued community space for connection, conversation and practical projects. In 2026, the Kaniva Men’s Shed proudly celebrated 10 years since its official opening, marking a decade of mateship, support and community service.
Kaniva, first and last highway town in Victoria. Gateway to the Wimmera Mallee Silo Art Trail. Home of Sheep Art.
Visitor Information Centre: 41 Commercial St, Kaniva, Vic. 3419.
Open: Weekdays 9 - 2.30pm, Weekends 9.30 - 2pm. Ph: (03) 5314 9083 WWSC Ph 13 99 72.
© 2005 - 2026 Kaniva & District Progress Association. Email: [email protected]
Australia Day 2020, West Wimmera Shire Council, Community Group of the Year.
