Tin Shed Singers

 

How singing became a blueprint for older men's support and connection

By William Stanley

Warrnambool Standard 1 Nov 2025

These Warrnambool men found a way to connect beyond the pub and sports field.

It can be a difficult transition leaving the working world later in life, which is why Phillip Shaw created the Tin Shed Singers.

Once a week, you will find the group at Mozart Hall, singing their sea shanties, but for many of them, this hour away can make all the difference.

"There are health issues as you get older, relationship difficulties, all manner of things," Shaw said.

"The group gives its members a lot of support."

The group is dedicating their coming shows to Archibald 'Archie' Stevenson, who died last week.

Shaw described Stevenson as someone with a great personality who always had a joke when no one was expecting it.

"He was a great member of the group; we're sorry to lose him. He passed away peacefully and we're going for a celebration for him this afternoon (Thursday, October 30, 2025)," he said.

The Tin Shed Singers, otherwise known as the "Sheddies", celebrated their 20th anniversary in May 2025.

Shaw didn't have a plan when the group began, or even an extensive musical background.

"I was lucky that no one ever told me I couldn't sing," Shaw said.

"I don't have a fantastic voice, but I was never afraid to sing in front of people."

The group has grown beyond your traditional choir.

They pride themselves on the support they provide for each other, whether it be for medical issues or if you need someone to talk to.

The Shedies are performing at Portland's Unwelling Festival on Saturday, November 1, 2025, and at Warrnambool's Wreckfest on Sunday, November 2.

'Going out on the right note': long time band takes its final bow - Lost in Suburbia

 'Going out on the right note': long time band takes its final bow -- By Sophia Baker -- Published in the Warrnambool Standard March 28th 2025

Warrnambool band Lost in Suburbia's Pete Bird, Murray McDowall, Melissa McKenzie, Trevor McKenzie and Rohan Keert will play their final show on Sunday. 

It will be a bittersweet moment for the band members of Lost in Suburbia as they take the stage to play their final show after 30 years performing together. The group will play a "goodbye gig" at the Warrnambool Hotel at 3pm on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Singer Rohan Keert said the band was a key part of his identity and he was coming to terms with it no longer being the case."It's mixed emotions, you know," he said."I haven't got used to saying to people in the future that I used to be in a band because I've always been in one.""I'll miss it, I feel fortunate to have been able to play with these guys."Lost in Suburbia formed in 1996 after the original members met playing in separate bands and music competitions around town.

Warrnambool band Lost in Suburbia on the Railway Stage at the 2011 Port Fairy Folk Festival. L to R 

Murray McDowall, Melissa McKenzie, Pete Bird, Trevor McKenzie, Wendy Goyen, Michael Schack, (obscured - Rohan Keert).

 Since then the band has released two albums, played regular shows at local venues as well as performed at The Port Fairy Folk Festival three times.Mr Keert said while he was grateful for the group, with two members in their 70s there was "nothing left in the tank".Guitarist Trevor McKenzie said he was grateful for all the band had done.

Photo of an earlier iteration of the band consisting of Rohan Keert, Trevor McKenzie, Wendy Goyen (no longer in the band), Murray McDowall and Pete Bird playing at the Mahogany Restaurant in 1994.

 "I've been with the band since the start, 30 plus years ago, so we've done so many gigs in this hotel," he said."[The final show is] going to be very emotional for us and it's going to be very emotional for the audience too. "We've received many lovely messages grateful for what we've done over the years, we're nothing fancy as a band or anything, but we've given people enjoyment and we've enjoyed each other's company too, so we're going out on the right note."

Lost in Suburbia band members Murray McDowall, Rohan Keert, Pete Bird, Melissa McKenzie and Trevor McKenzie will play their final show at the Warrnambool Hotel. 

Bassist Pete Bird echoed the sentiment."I think we're feeling very proud."