Sunita Kotnala, founder of Women’s Shed Canberra, has been named the 2025 Canberra Citizen of the Year, in recognition of her work empowering hundreds of women.

Women’s Shed Canberra teaches women home repair and maintenance — including how to use power tools, building picture frames, and installing and replacing door locks — and inspires them to consider careers in construction and building trades. Workshops build skills and mental health for women.

Ms Kotnala said she was proud to accept the award.

“It showcases the role the women’s sheds can play as social enterprises in the circular economy by exposing women to valuable skills in building trades and home repairs. I am delighted with the sense of joy and empowerment that women feel after learning to use power tools in a safe environment.

“The award is doubly special for me as it comes 25 years since my arrival in Australia as a skilled migrant and brings together my experience in social development” — Ms Kotnala has a master’s degree in social work and experience with counselling, mental health and community development — “with my love for restoring and refurbishing.”

Ms Kotnala and her friend Robby McGarvey founded the Women’s Shed in 2020. It originally held workshops in basic tool competence at Thor’s Hammer, and mental health and wellbeing classes at the Jerrabomberra Wetlands.

The two women came up with the idea for the Women’s Shed when volunteering at the Kingston Organic Community Garden, discussing women in the community who felt “isolated and left out”, “a loss of community and connection”.

The Women’s Shed introduced a mobile service in 2023; received an ACT Social Enterprise grant last year; and moved to a permanent home in Greenway in October.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr congratulated Ms Kotnala on her achievements with Women’s Shed Canberra and well-deserved recognition.

“Under Ms Kotnala’s leadership, Women’s Shed Canberra has become a place where women of all backgrounds and abilities can meet, get inspired, develop new skills, create and build,” Mr Barr said.

“Not only has she inspired hundreds of women through her workshops, she has also built a community that continues to grow.”