Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
%20mens%20shed.JPG)
Men’s Shed members with the Hamilton Cup, restored by Peter Halsey, middle-right.
Tucked away in the leafy streets of Cannonvale is the Airlie Beach Men’s Shed, a small building filled with timber and tools, whose door is open to anyone looking for a place to be. Born to combat the loneliness epidemic, it’s a space for men to come together and work on carpentry projects; a place to make a new mate or connect with an old one.
%20don%20campbell.JPG)
Recently, The Men’s Shed received a very special project: to restore the old Hamilton Cup. In August 2025, Outrigger Whitsunday member Michelle Lynes found a collection of outrigger trophies that had been sent from Hamilton Island to the Shute Harbour logistics terminal.
Among them was the Hamilton Outrigger Cup; a spectacular wooden trophy awarded to winners of the iconic race conducted on Hamilton Island since 1984. The artefact was carved by Arno Schilling before the first race - a skilled carpenter who previously worked for Keith Williams on the development of Sea World, Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, Port Hinchinbrook and the Whitsundays Islands.
“It’s the largest trophy I’ve ever seen, and it carries so much history,” Michelle said.
%20SawStop.jpg)
After arriving at the Men’s Shed, the cup was carefully restored by Peter Halsey, who delved into the history behind the cup’s creation. The restoration took over 72 hours. Parts that were broken off had to be completely restored whilst other pieces that had gone missing had to be made from scratch.
This treasured cup will return to the spotlight at the Hamilton Island Reunion this June to celebrate the legacy of outrigger paddling in the Whitsundays.
This is not the only project being developed in the shed. President Don Campbell is currently making a swinging bench for his daughter and will be adding the finishing touches soon.
The Men's Shed invites any history buffs, would-be-carpenters, or complete beginners to join their community.
Decked out with specialist equipment, the space is one of over 1200 across Australia operating under the Australian Men’s Shed Association. The scheme has an ongoing participation of over 50,000 men across Australia, and has been in operation since 1993.
%20Cup.jpg)
Newcomers will find guidance from experienced members, in a workshop specifically designed to ensure maximum safety.
Interested parties can attend the Men’s Shed every Tuesday and Thursday between 8am and 1pm.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
