Mates Making Music

Mates Making Music

The success of ShedMusic '25 has set the stage for ShedMusic '26, already in the planning stages. Organised by the Coolum Men’s Shed as a health initiative presented as a music festival, this year's event built on the achievements of last year's inaugural festival, which earned the Coolum Men’s Shed a national health award from the Australian Men’s Shed Assn (AMSA).

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli opened ShedMusic '25, setting a welcoming tone by joining in performances of Country Road and Sweet Caroline. Bruce Ulhorn, Convenor of ShedMusic’25 and member of the Coolum Men’s Shed, estimated attendance figures at approximately 800, including men, women, children and grandchildren, making it a genuine family and community event.

Over 120 musicians from Men’s Sheds across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, NSW and New Zealand performed. The main stage offered continuous acts throughout the weekend across all music genres, ensuring there was something for everyone.

The high demand for the Men’s Shed Burger Bar and multiple sell-outs in the RSL kitchen on Saturday night reflected the event’s popularity. The festival featured a Health Check Pit Stop, managed collaboratively with the Sunshine Coast Health and Hospital team and AMSA. They conducted 400 health checks during the festival, 4 times the number completed last year.

ShedMusic ’25 announced the winners of the Maroochy Shed’s inaugural Song Writing Contest. Bruce Ulhorn won with his song Thinkin’ not Sayin’ and Dai Harris was awarded runner-up for No Fire Inside. Visit: coolummensshed.org.