A group of empowered Wagga women are giving other ladies the chance to get their hand dirty and learn a new skill as they prepare to open the city’s first Women’s Shed.

The concept is taking off in other regional areas and chairwoman Kerrie Luff is determined to make it work in Wagga.

Ms Luff said it will operate under the same premise as the Wagga Men’s Shed, a creative place for people to go to meet others.

“There are a lot of other women’s sheds out there so we are trying to draw the best from them into ours,” she said.

“We want a place with no age barrier, even if they just want to come to socialise.”

While there will be a focus on arts and craft, Ms Luff said women will be able to learn skills in wood working and automechanics.

“When you teach people new skills, they gain confidence,” she said.

The organising committee is holding its first public meeting on Monday to gather ideas.

They are also asking local businesses to donate items, such as power tools, for use in the shed.

The meeting will be held on May 1 from 11am at the Wagga City Council meeting room.

More information is available via their Facebook page at Wagga Wagga Women’s Shed.