Defence Shed Port Adelaide

09/10/2026

ARMY JMCO-5 KAYAKING DAY 8-10-26 GARDEN ISLAND:
THE Port Adelaide Defence Shed agreed to host the subject brothers & sisters for a kayaking day at the pristine Garden Island waterway & mangrove estuaries. We were spoilt by dolphins that came within 1 metre of my kayak & swimming under a few more. This experience was unique for personnel who work all year indoors and are now enjoying the best of nature within arm's reach.
It was a pleasure to hear the joyous comments regarding our special guests (dolphins). The Army personnel proved highly competent in handling the kayaks, as a few had narrow dimensions & normally a challenge for novice paddlers was handled with great skill. Well done, Army! The estuaries with low-hanging canopies proved a challenge regarding manoeuvring the kayaks, especially around tight corners & not one Army person rolled their trusty steed. Completing the second estuary, it was time to head back to the launch site & load the kayaks onto the trailer & head for the Shed. The Army, it was noted, excelled in this task. The BBQ was a gourmet's delight & we thanked the Army for providing the tucker, plus a nominated cook who carried out the cooking duties with sheer exuberance. In closing, it was a great day with fellow veterans enjoying camaraderie of the highest quality. Always welcome for a return visit.
P.S. I extend a HUGE THANK YOU to Smiler (welder) Wayne, Bruce & Ted for completing the trailer upgrade - a job well done!

16/09/2026

KAYAYING GARDEN ISLAND 16/9/26:
An outstanding day on the water with four paddlers: Ted, Wayne, Bruce & Ian. A 17deg day with no wind & calm waters. We paddled into the first estuary & had to navigate the low canopy because of high tide. This was a challenging paddle; we used all our skills to stay upright & on track. Then we proceeded to the second estuary, which was wider but had a few low-hanging mangrove branches, which we negotiated with ease. Back in the main river, the wind suddenly picked up with rising wave motion, so it was head down/ arse up; coupled with strong paddling, we made it back to the launch site.

04/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BDripAFbf/?mibextid=wwXIfr

11 years of proven impact. Very limited government funding. We need corporate leaders to step in and support.

Despite the undeniable success of the Timor Awakening veteran wellness program, initiatives like ours remain critically underfunded. For 11 years, Veterans Care Association through its Timor Awakening programs has filled gaps where official mechanisms fall short.

As EOFY approaches, we are inviting Australian and New Zealand corporate leaders—particularly those in Defence, Policing, have links to Timor Leste or international social impact—to sponsor a veteran and possibly their partner.

🚨 The stakes are high: If we cannot secure corporate partners or funded positions, our life-saving Timor Awakening program in Timor-Leste will cease in 2027.

How your business can lead:

Sponsor 1 Veteran ($7k) or 2 Veterans ($14k): Fully tax-deductible (DGR status) corporate giving.

Invest in your own: Allocate these sponsored wellness positions directly to veteran employees or families within your own workforce.

One sponsored place changes a life. 18 places strengthen an entire community. Let’s ensure those who served our nation—and those supporting social impact abroad—receive the care they’ve earned.

DM us directly or contact Roy Henry at [email protected] to secure a partnership.

We are releasing our EOI for our August program on Wednesday 10 June to the general public. You can secure a place or three for members of your workforce through corporate sponsorship.

16/05/2026

ANIMAL RESCUE COOPERATIVE (ARC) - THANK YOU:
The Port Adelaide Defence Shed sends a BIG THANK YOU to the ARC for their kind donation of Cat & Dog food.
The benefits our furbabies provide in love, companionship & therapy are amazing. The Shed is truly grateful for this kind donation, which was eagerly distributed amongst our Members.

18/02/2026

A BRIEF ACTIVITY SUMMARY FOR THE PAST FEW DAYS/MONTHS:
Kayaking: Super active & pleased to report that the paddlers did not miss a single Wednesday throughout winter & are still paddling strong during the HOT summer months. Looking fit & healthy as a result. Congratulations to Ted, Wayne, Bruce, Ian & a TOP welcome to our newest paddler, Jacek (Jack), an Army veteran. Our latest paddle on 18/2/2026 at Garden Island to find & explore an old estuary hidden by thick mangrove growth was discovered. Wayne & Bruce tackled the fast, outward-flowing tidal waters at the entrance & enjoyed the pristine waterways. On return, the fast-flowing water required two sharp turns to exit the estuary. Kayaks turning side-on to the current flow found both Wayne & Bruce performing two rolls at each turn. Ian also experienced a roll at the entry point. Result: Mangrove cuts to legs, arms & upper body parts - blood evident. HHMMMMM! Our retired Nursing Sister (Isabella) put her nursing experience to good use. On completion, the paddlers were in tip-top condition.
OUTDOOR SETTING: Dean, a woodbutcher and Army veteran, is hard at work building an Outdoor Setting for a fellow veteran. Results are looking good with many profanities heard during the build. A great job utilising the Shed's facilities for a good cause.
LUNCHES: The ladies, along with help from their darling Wayne, have prepared many delicious meals for us weary & ageing veterans, much appreciated!
Many more activities & photos will be covered in a later post.
P.S. Highly experienced Captain Ted foresaw the potential hazard & decided not to tackle fast-flowing estuary waters - well done Ted!

20/12/2025

HO, HO, HO - CHRISTMAS LUNCH - THE BRITISH PUB:
The Shed provided a subsidised lunch & it was very well attended.
The food was of high quality & lots of banter, plus jovial laughter regarding many of the yearly good, bad & ugly behaviours.
The Chairman, "Big" Bad Bob, stood up & said a few complimentary words regarding the successful year experienced at the Shed, plus wished all members a Happy Christmas & a Prosperous New Year.
Then we all staggered back to the Shed & the Christmas Raffle was drawn. Wayne was lucky to win the major prize, a leg of pork, followed by Big, Bad BOB winning the majority of minor prizes. A good spread of prizes was won by the remainder & a Big Thank You goes to Ian, Jo & Izzy for their contribution in making the Raffle a huge success.
In closing, the Shed wishes all Members & their Families a Happy Christmas & a prosperous New Year. HO, HO, HO.
Looking forward to seeing you all in 2026, looking fit & healthy.

12/12/2025

A BIG THANK YOU & A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO WOOLWORTHS PORT ADELAIDE:
The Port Adelaide Defence Shed cordially thanks Woolworth Port Adelaide for their unexpected & wonderful Christmas Hamper.
Many thanks to Emma (Store Manager) & PANHA (Produce Manager) for organising the hamper, which will be raffled to fund the Shed's activities, providing assistance to improve the quality of life for veterans. The Port Adelaide Defence Shed is run by volunteers & donations, such as the subject gift by Woollies, are gladly welcome. Many thanks, WOOLWORTHS.
Shed Closure: Sat 20 December 05 - 4 January 2026
During closure, anyone wishing to participate in Cycling, Kayaking or Workshop activities, don't hesitate to get in touch with TED on 0457814440