Playford Women’s Shed ‘saved’ by philanthropic business Pelligra group

It’s the only women’s shed in Australia dedicated to helping isolated women in Adelaide’s north. Now it’s been saved from closing.

The inspirational Playford Women’s Shed, the only one of its kind in Australia, has been saved months before they were set to lose their home and close.

There are 85 men’s shed in South Australia and since opening in March 2020 Playford has helped vulnerable and isolated women at its base in Davoren Park.

Playford had been given six months to find a new space with its current space set to be demolished in March 2022 but rent elsewhere was up to $60,000.

But the Pelligra group has since offered a 12-month rent-free space at the former Holden site (The Lionsgate) in Elizabeth by owners, the Pelligra group.

Shed founder Raleane Wlochowicz said that offer “saved the shed”.

“We were so wound up with fear it was a huge relief, the Pelligra group has absolutely saved our bacon,” Mrs Wlochowicz said.

The group facilitates socialising and workshops, similar to a men’s shed.

As well as offering arts, crafts, cooking and gardening workshops, the shed has also become a refuge for women dealing with trauma and domestic violence, hampers of clothing and essentials are made by volunteers.

Members of the Pelligra group Steve Wren and Paschal Somers, with Playford Councillor Clint Marsh and members of the Playford Women's shed. Picture supplied

The Playford Women’s Shed is a non-for-profit organisation and only pay $1000 a month for rent through fundraising.
“I seriously don’t think we could have done anything, I was so afraid we would be giving these women hope for a better life, for a community and then have to take it away.”

Mrs Wlochowicz said three Playford councillors — Clint Marsh, Cathy-Jo Tame and Marilyn Baker — were instrumental in facilitating the ‘lifesaving’ arrangement.

Gayle Joyce, with supplies given to victims of domestic violence, Gayle closes her cafe Poetic Justice every Monday to volunteer at the shed. Picture Jason Katsaras

Cr Marsh said he called the Pelligra group and put the group in touch with the shed.
“They’ve been on a journey trying to find a new location, us councillors have been getting involved, but unfortunately there wasn’t any council assets we could offer,” he said.

“I made the call through to Pelligra and put a bit of an SOS out on behalf of the women’s shed asking if there was anywhere on their properties in Playford which were disused.
“It’s good news for 2022, they’ve actually come on board, they are willing to house the women's shed so it won’t need to close it’s doors.”