She Shed Cairns Inc, The Founding Members, Our Story...
By Jane Mitchell
"Challenges are what makes life interesting. Overcoming them makes them meaningful."
Joshua J. Marine
Jane Mitchell
Co-Ordinator
Firstly, I would like to introduce myself, my name is Jane Mitchell, I’m a Mum of three children a boy aged 20 and two girls aged 16 and 15. My husband has lived here most of his life, his family started Nordig approximately 40 years ago and roughly 25 years ago Todd took on the family business. My job has been to raise the kids and do the bookwork for the family business.
She Shed Cairns is my fourth baby… there were a few things that happened in my life that led me here…
-
Rosemarie Dash – Was HS Visions group CEO whilst struggling with cancer Rose had a stroke and, misplaced in society, wound up in the Nordig staff room making card kits for the children at schools.
-
Tracey, another mum, in her mid 30’s who also had a stroke loved being creative, but did not have any where she could go to be creative with other women.
-
When Covid hit, Nordig went quiet so I got a job out of the home. I worked for Cairns Trauma and clinical psychology, the number of women calling lost and misplaced, after the death of a husband or a broken down marriage solidified what I thought.
In years gone by, women would have taken there washing to the river, where gathered talked and connect with each other. But in today’s world of technology where was the river?
The year 2022 was one of the most challenging years on record for my family. A major road incident involving business left two of our staff seriously injured and my husband, Todd, and I under intense pressure. Not long after, we lost a property we had maintained for twenty years to an accidental house fire. It didn’t stop there. Every six weeks a serious life-changing incident happened. Including two friends our age passing away.
By October my body gave in to what we came to understand as adrenal fatigue. I completely lost my ability to speak. I was no longer able to communicate normally, let alone, yell out for the kids/husband or dog! I was reduced to writing on a whiteboard, over time, my quieter voice returned, along with a more thoughtful and deliberate mind. Eventually, I was to be diagnosed with stress-induced dysphonia, a lifelong condition. There was no going back to my profession of practice management. I would need to find a new way in the world.
Before the events of 2022 changed our lives, I was studying Social Enterprise. I was investing and developing the skills and knowledge needed to bring the concept of a She Shed sustainably to life. When I lost my voice, I withdrew from the course, but the women’s creator-maker-community-space dream still lingered. I took my idea to CWA as they have the spaces. Their business model for sustainability involves renting out the open hall to groups. It was going to be too hard and take too long to change their minds. My search to find my way again led me to the block of land where a house once stood, and where opportunity could emerge from misfortune.
I truly love the joy that comes from giving and helping others. If I could, I would spend all my time, energy, and resources on even the simplest thoughtful gestures to lighten someone else’s day. I also love being a maker and found there is nothing as precious or enriching as sharing the creative process.
And so it began. Todd and I love old Queenslanders so we decided to relocate an existing home from Stratford back to our bare site on Martyn Street. The upper story would eventually be privately rented and the ground level, a 155-meter squared, accessible space would become She Shed Cairns. If dreams come true, it will be a vibrant hub of creativity, learning, and connection; encouraging and upholding the women of Cairns.
A community is like a patchwork quilt. Every square is vital and this is how I see the people in ‘my quilt’...
Todd Mitchell
Founding committee Member
'Long Suffering' Husband
Well, this man has been through it all with me. We’ve built our home, raised three beautiful children, travelled far and wide, and gained the love and respect of many friends. We’ve had our struggles and lost some friends along the way, but overall, we have been blessed and I am eternally grateful for our family and life together.
When I said that I wanted to build a She Shed, Todd gave me a sideward glance. Let’s be honest, he wasn’t the only person who thought I was a little crazy! But he delivered, every time I came up with yet another thing for the never-ending To-do list to make She Shed a reality.
He has tolerated the stream of donations that have filled up our carport. He would only shake his head each time I had yet another idea. He nearly exploded when he could barely walk around the house for the treasures that filled the hallways and I then explained that we now have a kiln, and realistically had no place to put it.
There have been setbacks during the relocation of the house and development. Including our application for development being fully knocked back AFTER the house was on site, but each time the devastation set in, Todd was there to reassure me that everything was going to be alright and together we would get through this.
Todd has not only put up with me, he has worked tirelessly to help make my dream come true.
I’m grateful to be married to such a kind man and I love sharing our family and life together. We certainly know how to drive each other just a little crazy, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
I love you every day Todd Justin Mitchell xx
Pauline Bruce
Secetary
The Believer
Now, If I had to assign responsibility for She Shed Cairns to anyone, it would be to Pauline Bruce. She is one of my most important friends and has a superpower... she ALWAYS sees the best in everyone. I can tell you, ‘without a lie’ (that’s a cool saying my daughters use) Pauline has believed in me more than I have believed in myself!
One year she and I went Christmas crafting. The class had its challenges, at one point Pauline turned to me and asked, “Why are you not doing this?” as if I had somehow missed a calling. Pauline's comment got me thinking, for years we had been running card-making craft classes together for the students at St Joseph’s Primary School, where our children attended together. With the assistance of our friend Rosemary, Pauline and I made Mother’s Day cards one year with every single child at the school. If we could succeed in planning and delivering a project like that, surely we could do more?
When I explained the idea of a She Shed to my dear friend and her husband Kel, they were behind me all the way. Their business KFB Engineering has generously donated their expertise to our building plans. More importantly, Pauline and Kel have given moral support to me and this project I can’t imagine us accomplishing any of it without them.
A day that stands out was when Richard Damon, from Damon North, arrived with a house on a truck and needed to ask me technical questions. My voice was not cooperating that day. Kel Bruce jumped straight into his car, came to the site, and answered all the questions for me. There’s never a hesitation to help.
These are my dear friends, I count their family as one of my life’s richest blessings. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Emma Kilfoy
Committee Member
TRUE GRIT
The kindness and generosity shown by Shaun and Emma knows no bounds and by the time the She Shed started being built, it had been in the planning stages for years. Taking the leap of faith was scary, and stressful but also very exciting. Shaun arrived on site to help me create the best possible kitchen and bathroom/laundry storage area possible. With his talent, attention to detail, and skill for the best design, he created a space that was perfect for our purposes.
As a hobby, or possibly more of an excuse to take time out, a few of the She Shedders joined The Bloody Long Walk – 35km Challenge to Cure MITO. Shaun, who was more likely to be found on a mountain bike than a walking track, turned up for his first long walk training session. He just got in, set his speed, and walked until he did it. This is how he approached work at the She Shed. He came, helped me sort upstairs, and offered sensible, smart ideas for a beautiful space. He saw my vision and made it happen and barely sent me a bill, stating that he believed in what I was doing. He then did the same thing downstairs. Just like on one of our walks, he simply got on with the job.
Emma’s simple, direct, “It’s a good idea and we need to get it done” came in incredibly handy when it came time to set up the Inc. Association needed for the charity. Their kindness and generosity have blown me away and a simple thank you does not cover how grateful I am.
Andrew is my lifelong friend, he’s one of those friends who you don’t see for years but when you get back together, within five minutes you're hanging bad jokes on each other. I’m incredibly grateful for the special people in my life and Andrew Bruce Harris is one of them. During one of our text catch ups, I told him what I was doing. He asked me how I was funding it, I explained… expecting him to tell me I was insane, which is what he would normally say when I told him my ideas. This time, however, he said “I’m in.” He believed in my idea, stating simply that he knew me and wanted to help. I doubt that any of this would be at the point it is today without Andrew’s donation and belief in me. Thanks Harris, you’re one in a million and I love you heaps.
Andrew Bruce Harris
Farmer - Esperance WA
Friends Forever
Noelle, Darren, and I met at St Joseph’s primary school, we were part of a small group of parents who would turn up before a school event to set up and be there at the end picking up rubbish and stacking chairs. Noelle is one of those incredible people who has a wealth of knowledge about just about anything and everything. Her experience in setting up a charity has been invaluable. Early on in the piece I realised my budget was not going to make it, so with Andrew’s money in hand, I went to Noelle, explaining that with the money we should become a charity. She was straight onto it, she worked out a structure, directed me, filled in forms, sorted out the technical rules so we were compliant, guiding me around obstacles. No matter how busy she was with her own crazy busy life of children and running a large business, she was never too busy to help me. This included helping me with the social media side of things. I asked her why she would do that when she was already so crazy busy, and her answer was simply that she believed in what I was doing. Without Noelle, this project would not be where it is.
Without hesitation, Noelle and Darren have committed all their resources and knowledge to bringing She Shed Cairns Inc to life. From all the women in Cairns, THANK YOU Halpin Heros!
Noelle Halpin
President
I can’t exactly remember how we met but it seems that Nicky has been part of my life forever. Our mutual love for personal growth and development and striving to become the best versions of ourselves is what keeps our friendship strong. Our hearts and minds align with wanting to do good and being the best person for those around us.
Nicky and Kaj, have built Precedence, a robust business with an amazing product. We have worked with them for many years. In a moment of panic, I realised that I’d forgotten to renew Nordig’s domain and our website went into the abyss. My husband questioned what had happened, and it was certainly a low point for my office management career at Nordig, however, the Precedence team sprang into action, solving the issue, and putting their systems in place. I never have to worry about making that mistake again!!!
When I called Nicky, to discuss, how I was going to get a system to help us manage our members for the She Shed, she said without hesitation, “I’ve seen what you are doing… I’m going to help you.” Again… another person who visualised the idea and the potential and was willing to stand up and help us. It started to feel like angels were carrying the dream into reality. Nicky, you are an angel and I’m forever grateful to you, Kaj, and the precedence team. Xx
Nicky and Kaj
Precedence
Systems Superheros
To call Custy a “good bloke” just doesn’t cut it. He’s a BLOODY good bloke and an amazing plumber. While I didn’t know either Custy or his wife Linda before I started this project, I am now forever grateful for the opportunity to have met these two amazing people because seeing his example has changed my life.
I can clearly remember early in the piece when Custy rolled in, happy and ready to get the job done. “Yeah Jane, when I went to Reece to pick up the gear, I asked them for a discount, and boy did they come through.” Without me asking he’d gone to the suppliers and got them on board. I remember the intense feeling of that day, I was starting to doubt myself and Custy going into bat for me… well suffice it to say, it still gives me the courage to keep on going.
He explained that his lovely wife Linda is much like me, except that she looks after dogs instead of ladies. Linda, I look forward to your dogs coming to help the ladies. Custy a simple thank you doesn’t cut it. You’re a bloody legend in my eyes.
Guy Custy
Custy’s Plumbing
Custy’s Courage
Alan and Rose Taylor
Centrobuild
Salt of the Earth
Another St Joseph's family... The Taylors are a beautiful family, and we’ve been friends for many years through hockey. We would have been buggered without them on the She Shed Build. Alan and his team worked hard and efficiently. Understood the goal, found practical solutions, and built us this amazing space while donating supplies and time along the way. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, you could see the vision and helped make it a reality.
Jason has worked with us for many years, going back to St Joseph’s days, where alongside the Bruce’s, Kilfoy’s and Halpin’s we managed to pull off fetes together. Poor Jason had no idea what lay ahead of him when I showed him my project. “Jane whatever we have to do to make it happen, we will do it” and that’s exactly what he did. There’s no messing around with Jason on-site. It’s just go, go, go! Nothing was too much trouble, he went the extra mile, saving us literally thousands of dollars. True to his word, whatever needed to get done, got done. Thank you will never be enough for all your effort and your family’s contribution.
Jason and Rose Fox
Northern Form Work
Gets it done
Mario is my neighbour and much like Todd, he was dragged into the process through proximity. All I can say is that if Mario hadn’t taken pity on the old lady next door, we would still be there painting and it would NEVER look as good as it does today. You and your team are champions, and these old ladies are eternally grateful xx
Mario
Cairns Painting Contractors
Helping his Neighbour
These are my people! I have known Matt since I moved to Cairns over 20 years ago and is one of my husband’s best mates. He and his wife, Joe created a beautiful family and we spent many holidays together as “the Milliers”, Mitchell and Hilliers combined. Pumping the concrete into the She Shed is yet another thing to add to the massive list of things that I can never repay to this family. I’m indebted to you both until the day I die and I’m ok with that… we are stuck together forever. I love you both heaps and thank you for helping She Shed Cairns Inc become a reality.
Matt and Joe Hillier
Cairns Crete
"The Mi-lliers"
(Mitchell - Hilliers)
Ashley and Nick Perezza
Nurture My Life
Standing up for Community
Ashley and Nick, another beautiful St Joesph’s family, together with the Taylors, have all played summer 6’s hockey together for many years.
During the build Ashley spontaneously sent a message of encouragement offering help, within the hour of me reaching out for help, Ashley was on site, with an amazing understanding of the She Shed vision and, with a builder's insight Nick and Ashley have come right behind us, to help bring the project to competition. These are very special humans, who see a need, and don’t just stand back, but jump in and help out to make it happen. I love you all Ashley, Nick and Molly xx
THANK YOU !
These are people who believed in me and She Shed Cairns, then made it a reality.
They are life’s special people who have come together to make a very special patchwork quilt, She Shed Cairns.
I'm very grateful to share this adventure with you all.
Follow our progress...
Below is a list of the overwhelming community support, that has played a cruital role in bringing us to this stage
Interesting Fact: Between Palm Cove and Babinda there are 10 Men's Sheds
Once we get the doors open, She Shed Cairns will be the first women's shed in this space.
