Our People
7 June, 2026
Pumpkin Rivalry at Men’s Shed
MEMBERS of the Pomonal Men's Shed last week celebrated their victory from the Moyston Easter Market earlier this year, against neighbouring sheds from Ararat Men's Shed and Stawell Men's Shed. The friendly rivalry brought members together for a barbecue at the Stawell Men’s Shed, continuing a tradition that began a few years ago with their annual inter-shed pumpkin-growing competition.
Each year the sheds compete to grow the biggest pumpkin, with the losing team responsible for hosting a barbecue for the others. Pomonal Men’s Shed Russ Kellett said the event was a great way to strengthen connections between the groups. “They put on a good feed,” he said.
Mr Kellett joked that Stawell Men's Shed was yet to break its losing streak. “They say they are going to throw away the seeds and concentrate on the barbie,” he joked.
Despite the competition, he said the sheds regularly supported one another throughout the year. “We do work in together and help each other,” he said. “They might be all individual sheds but we do get together and boost each other as well.”
Allan Rees, president of the Stawell Men’s Shed, said the group was pleased to host the gathering. “We had close to 35 people and everyone was happy, that’s the main thing,” he said.
“We don’t mind doing the barbecue though, it’s a good thing,” he said. Mr Rees also joked that the Stawell shed suspected its pumpkin seeds might be cursed, leading to their losing streak.