The Rosefield Community Shed (RCS) is a non-profit organisation which began as a joint initiative in 2013 by members of the Rosefield Uniting Church (RUC) in Highgate, Adelaide and the Department of Human Services (DHS), (formerly the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion), and operated under the terms of a memorandum of understanding between the two parties.

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It initially operated as a Men’s Shed, as a member of the Australian Men’s Shed Association, in a workshop within Highgate Park (formerly The Julia Farr Centre) and then evolved into a Community Shed, with membership encouraged from men and women of ages 18 years and older.

DHS provided the workshop and equipment to make the Shed possible, as they were looking for activities for the less disabled residents of Highgate Park to participate in.

The Rosefield Uniting Church has also been a strong supporter of the Rosefield Community Shed.

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In 2018, as a result of the DHS decision to close Highgate Park, the Rosefield Community Shed moved to the Adelaide Showgrounds in Wayville, Adelaide. DHS very generously donated all of the workshop equipment from Highgate Park to the Rosefield Community Shed.

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The management of the Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA (RAHS) has been very supportive of the move and have generously provided a space for the Shed to occupy in the Farmyard Nursery Pavilion (FNP), which was previously unused outside of Adelaide Show times.

With the approval and support of the RAHS management, RCS members have transformed the FNP from a large empty shed, which used to only be occupied by animals and the public for a couple of weeks during Adelaide Show time, into an inviting and comfortable space for members to meet, have fun and to work on numerous projects throughout the rest of the year.

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The Shed members have also upgraded the FNP facilities used during Adelaide Show times, including building a new bird aviary, bespoke animal pens and sheltered timber storage facilities. The RAHS has also provided greatly appreciated improvements to the pavilion, such as new LED lighting, ceiling fans for the meeting room and electrical upgrades.

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One of the caveats of the Shed’s tenure is that the FNP must be vacated during Adelaide Show time, with all the Shed’s equipment able to be stored in shipping containers located on site.

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Incorporation

In 2022, the Rosefield Community Shed became incorporated, adopting a Constitution, having elected members for the management team and for the first time becoming truly independent.