General News
10 July, 2025
Pumpkin challenge brings men’s sheds together
POMONAL Men's Shed celebrated their victory in the annual pumpkin-growing competition last week, bringing together members from Ararat, Stawell, and Pomonal sheds for a barbecue.
The light-hearted rivalry forms part of a tradition that began two years ago at the Moyston Easter Market, where the three sheds compete to grow the biggest pumpkin.
The losing team is tasked with hosting a barbecue for the others.
“This started two years ago by a challenge from Ararat’s Men’s Shed, to the all three Men’s Sheds. The biggest pumpkin wins,” said Pomonal Men's Shed Secretary Russ Kellett.
In the first year, Ararat won the competition.
“Stawell lost so they had to put on a barbecue that year. This year we (Pomonal) won, thanks to Keith Ward,” Russ said.
The loss marked the second consecutive year Stawell Men's Shed has had to fire up the grill.
Russ said the friendly competition is just one example of the camaraderie shared between the groups.
“Stawell, Ararat, and Pomonal have always enjoyed a close relationship and one of fun,” he said.
“It’s also a great part of shedding, to visit other sheds and see what they do, because although the three sheds are close together, each one is individually different and runs differently and does a fantastic job for their members in three different ways.
“We also learn from each other, and we steal ideas from each other. Sometimes we get equipment off each other,” he said.
Russ stressed the importance of the three sheds in Stawell, Ararat and Pomonal working together.
“It's important to connect with the other sheds, it’s good to recognise one another and get together.”
Looking ahead, Russ joked, “Hopefully Stawell will at least come second next year and someone else will have to do the barbecue.”
Despite the loss, Stawell Men's Shed President Allan Rees said the group was happy to take part and host the other sheds.
“We don’t mind it, it’s good fun,” he said.
“You’re meeting people you haven’t met before, too, a lot of the time.
He was also quick to point out that the Stawell shed wasn’t able to plant pumpkins this year.
“I was going to take a couple of tins of pumpkin soup out for the competition,” he joked.
Hopefully, 2026 is the year Stawell Men's Shed wins the Grampians shed competition.
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