The SHEDDER The official newsletter of the Australian Men ... · After negotiations with the Department, the Agreement was signed on May 3rd with the contract period commencing 1

May 2016

The SHEDDER The official newsletter of the Australian Men’s Shed Association www.mensshed.org

" The Official Newsletter of the “Australian Men's Sheds Association “

Patron in Chief His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC

Patrons Professor Barry Golding, Professor John MacDonald

The

Shedder

In This Issue P1 3 year Funding

Agreement for AMSA

P2 Men’s Shed Week 2016

P3 EO Report: ‘Strengthening

AMSA for the Future’

P5 Thank you Gadens

P6 John Bowe Supporting

Men’s Sheds

P6 New AMSA Resources

P7 AMSA turns 10 in 2017

P8 Men’s Health Week

P9 New Zealand 2016 Men’s

Shed Conference

P10 Flowerdale aims for

Ireland

P11 Wesley Melba Men’s Shed

and ‘The Devannah’

P12 Mount Beauty &

District Men’s Shed Vic

P13 Rupanyap & District Men’s

Shed

P14 IMSO

P15 Windale Men’s Shed is 10

P16 AMSA Evaluation

P17 SawStop

P18 Important Updates

Funding Agreement for AMSA secured for 3 Years

In September 2015 the then Prime Minister announced ongoing support for

AMSA and Men’s Sheds as a Fathers Day announcement. This month the De-

partment of Health has executed a new Agreement securing funding for

AMSA until July 2019.

The new Funding Agreement allocates a total of $5.1m to AMSA with $2.4m of

these funds to be allocated as direct financial assistance to Men’s Sheds as

competitive grants through the National Shed Development

Program. Within the new Agreement AMSA has been able to secure an

increase in funds for our service delivery component and this will allow AMSA

to further increase our capacity to provide additional services to Member

Sheds.

After negotiations with the Department, the Agreement was signed on May

3rd with the contract period commencing 1 July 2016. This is also the first

time since the original 2010-13 Agreement that AMSA has had the security of a

long term Agreement that will allow us to implement programs more

strategically.

In all it has been a long and anxious period of negotiations but has provided a

very favorable result.

Racing Legend John Bowe Supporting Men’s Sheds

As a proud partner of AMSA, Rare Spares is keen to raise

awareness about men’s health issues by supporting various

Men’s Shed initiatives. This has included various fund raising

events, including the auctioning of a V8 Supercar Hot Lap ride

with star driver Jason Bright last year.

AMSA and Rare Spares celebrated this important partnership

last November whilst attending the final 2015 Touring Car Mas-

ters event at the famous Phillip Island Race Track. Taking place

at the local Phillip Island RSL Men’s Shed, local Shed members

came down to check out a couple of TCM cars and enjoy a BBQ. The highlight however was a

chance to have a one on one chat to Rare Spares Ambassador and Australian motorsport legend,

John Bowe : Cont page 5

May 2016


The INAUGURAL MEN’S SHED WEEK!

The Australian Men’s Shed Association prioritises

the wellbeing of all men, valuing the role that

Men’s Sheds play in the prevention of social isola-

tion by providing a safe, friendly and welcoming

place for men to work on meaningful projects and

to contribute to the wider community.

AMSA is very proud of the work that is being undertaken throughout the Men’s Shed network, its

achievements and ongoing benefits to both members and their communities.

This year AMSA designated a week in which Men’s Sheds across Australia could showcase the

extraordinary work that they do, demonstrate how they engage with and the contributions they make

to their members and communities.

Men’s Shed Week was held Sunday 6th- Saturday 12 March.

A major aim of Men’s Shed Week was the opportunity for every Men’s Shed to invite their community

and Federal MP to visit the Men’s Shed and learn more about what they do, meet the Shed members,

become more informed of the benefits of the Men’s Shed movement and acknowledge the vital role

they play within the community.

Many events were held across Australia and one such event occurred in the small rural community of

Dareton.

Dareton is a town on the Murray River in the far west of New South Wales. The town is located on the

Silver City Highway, 1,025 kms west of Sydney and 20 kms from the regional centre of Mildura, across

the border in Victoria. Part of the Wentworth Shire Local Government Area, at the 2011 census, Dare-

ton had a population of 516.

‘A Message from Dareton Men in a Shed Inc NSW

Just advising you that the Dareton Men in a Shed Inc had our Open Day on the 9th March. Our Shed was

open for three and a half hours and we had representatives from the Local Wentworth Shire Council, the

General Manager of the Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club, the Manager of the Wentworth and District

Community Bank, Media representatives from Sunraysia Daily, Mildura Midweek and Mildura Weekly.

We provided morning tea for all those attending, a great day was enjoyed by all.

We were happy to see so many people from surrounding areas attending. Our recently set up Machinery

restoration section was of particular interest. People were amazed at the type of Machinery that had been

restored and many commented on our workshop in general. A lot did not realise that we provided so

many diverse activities, catering for a whole range of interests. Two new members were signed up on the

day with a couple of others indicating that they were considering joining.

All in all it was a most enjoyable day. I think the general community is now much more informed about

what goes on in a ‘Men’s Shed’. In fact we are now looking at having an Open Day every couple of

months, the interest shown on this day was very encouraging’.

In Partnership with our Federal Government ‘Friends of Men’s Sheds’ Bipartisan Friendship Group we

will work to make Men’s Shed Week bigger and better in 2017. There has even been conversations

from our international Partner Associations on making this a world wide event.

May 2016


Strengthening AMSA and Men’s Sheds for the future?

In a historical context, the Australian Men’s Sheds Association (AMSA) has

continually evolved ever since our formal foundation in 2007 as a unified

organisation aimed at providing support to Men’s Sheds.

AMSA is a very unique organisation that has experienced rapid growth and,

compared with organisations of similar size that have been established for multiple

decades, AMSA is still in its infancy. AMSA is also different from most ‘Associations’ in that we are

member focused but not member funded. Ninety percent of our operational expenditure is provided

by the Federal Government. If AMSA was a member funded Association, it would need to dramatically

increase its membership fees therefore making Men’s Sheds unaffordable. This would be counter-

productive to our objective of preventing social isolation by making Men’s Sheds only available to

those who can afford it. This is one of many dilemmas that make AMSA a unique organisation.

AMSA was developed out of the mentioned principles and our staff and Board have a great deal of

expertise in the field of Men’s Sheds and an understanding of the Sheds we serve. Like the Men in the

Sheds we are not corporate lawyers and similarly to our members we go to the experts when we need

legal advice. Fortunately last year one of Australia's biggest and most respected law firms ‘Gadens’

came to AMSA with an offer of pro-bono legal support. This support would include an extensive

review of our Association’s structure, governance and Constitution that will ensure AMSA remains a

unified body with a secure future and structure that will enable AMSA to service and protect our

members without duplication and with minimal bureaucracy. The expertise that the people from

Gadens who have worked on this project is invaluable and appreciated (see Gadens profiles in our

article of gratitude on page 5).

The primary purpose for the proposed changes to the governing documents of AMSA are to better

align the governance and membership structure of the organisation with the vision and intentions of

the founders, to in turn enable AMSA to better pursue its objectives. As will be evident from the

nature of the proposed amendments, the changed governance and membership rules are to ensure

that no parallel structures of AMSA's operational model are formed. Duplication generally tends to

result in an inefficient use of resources and burdensome membership arrangements for the most

important bodies in AMSA's structure, being the Men's Sheds that deliver the ‘on the ground’ support

and networks. Improved structures will enable AMSA to maximise the utilisation of funding from

government and other sources, and efficiently deliver services to its members nationally, in the spirit

of its role as a peak body that represents the interests of all Men's Sheds collectively.

Appropriate membership and governance arrangements are inspired by the vision and intentions set

for AMSA by the founders (being the members of the original Steering Committee of AMSA that met in

Canberra in November 2008 to develop a Business Plan for the future of AMSA). The vision for AMSA

set by its founders is that AMSA be a single, unified body that will disseminate information and other

support services in pursuit of the Men's Shed movement around the country and act as single point of

contact with a collective voice to represent Men’s Sheds with Government and other stakeholders. To

this end, it is important that AMSA's mandate as a single national peak body which represents all

AMSA Member Men's Sheds in Australia is preserved and maintained in the most appropriate

governance and membership structure.

EO’S Report

May 2016


Cont...

In consideration of developing new By laws, it is worthwhile to reflect on the development of AMSA

over time and on its commitment to the Men's Shed movement in Australia continue to grow strong.

From AMSA’s original conception until May 2010 (when funding was granted), AMSA existed with

no formal Funding Agreements and relied fully on the support of a network of volunteers. The entry

into the first service delivery contract with the Department of Health and Ageing (as it was then

known) opened opportunities for AMSA to evolve its day-to-day business including engaging

employees and other support services. This Agreement focused on AMSA being a centralised

service delivery provider for Men’s Sheds. As a result, more efficient communications, marketing

and support for Men’s Sheds became available and a surge in the development of new Men's Sheds

occurred in the following years.

With these developments, AMSA's Board was able to evolve and better fulfill its role of determining

the strategy and direction of the organisation, with more efficient delegation of the operational

activities of provision of support and assistance to Men’s Sheds.

AMSA has grown exponentially into a successful organisation with large membership (957 Men's

Sheds) that is in a strong position to present a unified service delivery model with governments,

private funding bodies and other stakeholders in order to obtain much needed funding in the

pursuit of its purposes.

It is essential that there be no confusion in dealing with the Member Men’s Sheds, public,

government and all other stakeholders. The single, unified national scope and representation of

Men's Sheds by AMSA is vital. It was never intended that any subsidiary would be established to

provide a parallel model of representation of Men's Sheds within the organisation. Apart from be-

ing confusing for our stakeholders, it may provide limitations in achieving the best funding

outcomes for our organisation and result in inefficiencies in administration and use of resources.

The AMSA Board has reviewed the advice received from Gadens and will be implementing new By

laws.

As we implement these changes throughout 2016, notification will be sent out to all Member Sheds

and they will be posted on our website. On the ground in the Men’s Shed movement there will be

little if any changes that will directly affect any Shed as we secure a structure and rules more com-

mon to any unified body. There may be criticism and objection from individuals who have a differ-

ent interpretation or in many cases an agenda that is not consistent with that of AMSA’s or Men’s

Sheds. Men’s Sheds are about the Men, their wellbeing and their communities, not about feathering

personal ambition or building empires.

AMSA is aiming at securing the future of Men’s Sheds, and, with a new Funding Agreement in place,

we can implement longer term planning to achieve this.

AMSA has the responsibility to ensure constancy in our membership and to protect the Men’s Shed

brand that identifies a Men’s Shed regardless of where it is located within Australia.

May 2016


Gratitude for Gadens’ Support for Men’s Sheds

‘The people who have helped’

Stuart Eustice Partner : Stuart has been our relationship partner. He contacted AMSA in

the first instance with an understanding of our vision - supporting the community, Men’s

Sheds and Male Health. Stuart presented at the 2015 AMSA Newcastle Conference and is a

passionate motorsport enthusiast who proudly displays AMSA’s signage on his sports

sedan. Stuart specialises in injury liability litigation and has acted for Victorian Govern-

ment Departments, the Victorian WorkCover Authority, Self-Insured corporates and

numerous international insurers. Stuart is current author for LexisNexis Personal Injury Module, Guest

Lecturer at Deakin University and recognised leading Compensation/Insurance lawyer within Doyles

Guide and Chambers Asia Pacific.

Glenn McGowan QC Chief Counsel :Glenn is one of Melbourne's most respected legal

authorities and is widely recognised within the profession as a leader in his field. Prior to

joining Gadens he spent 27 years at the Victorian Bar, the last 10 of which were as Senior

Counsel. Glenn practises in commercial law, principally in Intellectual Property. He has

extensive advice, trial and appellate experience in litigation (courts and tribunals).

Glenn is also a nationally accredited mediator and a Fellow of the Australian Institute for

Commercial Arbitration. He is regularly called upon to write and present at seminars and

conferences. Glenn's areas of expertise are in Charities and not-for-profit, Competition and

Consumer, Corporate Advisory, Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences. Glenn has

appeared in some of Australia's most high profile and complex intellectual property cases.

Biljana Apostolova Partner: Biljana leads the tax and not-for-profit team at Gadens and

has specific technical expertise in areas of law relevant to the not for profit sector,

regularly advising on legal structuring, the availability of tax exemptions and benefits,

statutory interpretation, fundraising, government funding, and corporate governance and

compliance. Biljana is a trusted advisor to charitable and not-for-profit organisations in

the health, welfare, religious and educational sector. She sits on numerous Boards and

management committees of charitable organisations and is a member of the Victorian Tax Reform

Committee of the Property Council and of the Victorian State Taxes Consultative Committee. Biljana

was selected as a Best Lawyer in the category of Education Law by Best Lawyers in Australia, a peer-

review guide to the legal profession, consecutively since 2014

Adam Walker Partner: Adam is a Partner and registered trade marks attorney in the

Intellectual Property and Technology team at Gadens in Melbourne. Adam acts for an

array of clients across a broad range of commercial matters, both operational and

transactional, specialising in the fields of information technology, intellectual property,

franchising, privacy and competition and consumer law. Adam's experience also draws on

a previous role in financial services regulatory policy with the corporate regulator, the

Australian Securities and Investments Commission, as well as two secondments as in-house counsel

for a telecommunications carrier. His diversity of experience offers a holistic approach to achieving

outcomes for clients. Adam has been listed as a ‘Best Lawyer’ in the field of Intellectual Property Law,

by Best Lawyers in Australia consecutively since 2014.

http://www.gadens.com/whoweare/ourpeople/Pages/Glenn-McGowan.aspx

http://www.gadens.com/whoweare/ourpeople/Pages/Biljana-Apostolova.aspx

May 2016


Cont’ from Page 1 Racing Legend John Bowe Supporting Men's Sheds—

John is a passionate supporter of Men’s

Sheds and men’s health issues in

general and was happy to give his time

supporting such a worthy cause.

“Men’s Sheds are not new to me,” said

John. “I participated in a video shoot a

few years ago that was on behalf of

Men’s Sheds. I was racing down at

Phillip Island in the GT Category and

so got to know what it was. Since then

I’ve been to more events. I went to

their National Conference last year as

a speaker and basically told my story,”

he added.

“My story relates to Men’s Sheds because I was a professional racing driver and my life was con-

sumed by it, as a lot of people’s lives are consumed by their work. When I retired as a professional

racing driver, I was pretty well lost and I suffered from depression. I’ve met a lot of people in the

Men’s Shed world that are retired and had a lack of purpose in their life. Men’s Shed is an organisation

that brings camaraderie and things to do. They are an awesome organisation!” John explained.

Born in Devonport, Tasmania in 1954, John or ‘JB’ as he’s more affectionately referred to, has become

one of Australia’s sporting greats, winning so many titles and achieving so much success, that to list

them all would require a book to do them justice.

His career started at the tender age of 15 when he began racing the Formula Vee he had bought with

his father. Success came immediately with him clinching the Tassie title in his first year! The following

year, he took out the Formula Ford title. But this was just the beginning.

John explains how he got involved in motorsport.

“I grew up in a car family. My Dad was a mechanic. He used to do a lot of work with MGs and Austin-

Healeys so I grew up around cars. My Dad raced at an amateur level in Tasmania but I had no great

ambition to be a Pro Driver. I just loved cars and I started racing. It was a Father-Son thing,” said JB.

Graduating to the highly respected Ansett Team Elfin racing Elfin Formula 5000s, in 1979 he not only

came second in the Australian Grand Prix, but also secured second in the Australian Formula 2

Championship.

The Australian Drivers Championship beckoned in 1980. JB would go on to win back to back titles in

1984 and 1985 in a Ralt RT4. 1986 was the last time he would drive in the open wheeler class, which

was at the Australian Gran Prix at Adelaide, again in an RT4.

John started competing in the Australian Sports Car Championship in the early 1980s, winning the

ASCC in 1986 and coming second in 1987. 1988 would see him turn his attention to driving full time in

the ATCC series.

1985 saw John start to compete in the Australian Endurance Championship and the Australian Touring

Car Championship the following year. His first ATC win came at Melbourne’s Calder Park in 1987

driving a Nissan Skyline RS DR30.

Cont’ p7

May 2016


He teamed up with fellow legend Dick Johnson as the

number two driver in the DJR team for the 1988 season,

winning at Winton and Amaroo Park, eventually coming

second in the Australian Touring Car Championship

(ATCC). He would take the second step on the podium

again the following year in the ATCC. The highlight of

1989 though would be winning the prestigious Bathurst

1000 in a Ford Sierra RS500 with team mate Dick Johnson.

The dynamic duo would go on to also win it again in 1994

in a Ford EB Falcon.

Ushering in the new era of V8s in 1993, JB won the very

first round of the new racing format at Amaroo Park, eventually finishing second for the season. Two

years later, he would go on to win the 1995 ATCC and was runner-up the following season. JBs V8 Su-

percar career statistics are impressive to say the least with 225 races, 51 podiums, 15 race wins and 1

Championship.

The Bathurst 12 Hour was another rich hunting ground for the Tasmanian, clinching the 1995, 2010 and

2014 titles.

John returned to Sport Car racing in 2008 in the Australian GT Championship. He also went on to

compete in the Touring Car Masters in 2009 and has done so ever since. He is a regular TCM race and

series winner, having won the title in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015!

John spoke about his lifetime of racing.

“Last year, I passed a milestone of 1000 Championship races. I’ve had a very blessed life in racing.

I’ve had many ups and downs and it’s been like an emotional roller coaster sometimes but there’s not

a day goes by that I’m not grateful that I’m still doing it and I can still do it at a reasonable level,” said

John modestly.

“I love going to the race track. I went to Phillip Island recently just to watch. Motor racing is my life. I

consider myself blessed to still be involved with it and to have partners like Rare Spares that support

me,” he concluded.

With a career record like this, it’s no reason John Bowe is considered Australian motorsport royalty.

The fact he is not only still competing but also winning on a regular basis is testament to his skill and

determination and is why he is considered as one of the greatest drivers of his generation.

AMSA turns 10 in 2017

2017 will mark a milestone in AMSA’s history as we prepare to celebrate 10 years. On the 22nd of

January 2007 AMSA was first registered by Ted Donnelly with the New South Wales Department of

Consumer Affairs. Of course as we know Men’s Sheds have been around longer than that. The original

concept of developing AMSA as a national body goes back to 2005 but 2007 marks 10 years of AMSA

being formally established and we want everyone to help us celebrate.

We are open to your ideas in preparation for our celebration and encourage all Sheds to participate in

hosting events during Men’s Shed Week 2017. Contact AMSA at [email protected]

To read more about the History of AMSA go to www.mensshed.org/history-of-amsa

To read more on the History of Men’s Sheds you can purchase Professor Barry Golding’s book ‘The

Company of Men’ at www.barrygoanna.com

May 2016


The Australian Men’s Shed Association has a

commitment to improving the wellbeing and health

of Men.

Through the development of 957 Men’s Sheds

nationally we have all made a difference in

reducing social isolation for Australian males. For many years AMSA has delivered a male health

screening program ‘Spanner in the Works?’ throughout the Men’s Shed network and last year we

launched the ‘Spanner’ website that has been an overwhelming success.

This year again we are encouraging all Men’s Sheds to participate in Men’s Health Week –13-19 June

by organising a local event at your Shed. To assist and support, AMSA has sent you a range of

resources. If you are unable to host an event within Men’s Health Week, you can run an event any time

of the year and these resources are available all year round.

More information is available at www.malehealth.org.au . If you are hosting an event during Men’s

Health Week you can register your event at www.menshealthweek.org.au and please let AMSA know

as well by sending us an email to [email protected]

As most of us know, us blokes are expected to die 5 years younger than women, yet there is no

physical reason that this should be the case. The reasons for our earlier demise are many – some

physical but many reflect our mental attitude.

For one, we are greater risk takers than women – we often do stupid things (especially but not

exclusively as young men) and put ourselves in dangerous situations. Our mindset is one of “it won’t

happen to me!” But sometimes things go dreadfully wrong resulting in death or serious injury leaving

our families, friends and loved ones devastated by the end results.

As males we also often have jobs which entail greater risk within the workplace. Health and safety

laws have reduced the number of workplace related deaths significantly over the years however there

are still way too many deaths from “workplace accidents”.

And we take our own lives at a far greater rate than women. In 2014 in Australia there were almost 6

males who suicided every day! While almost 2 women took their own lives each day. Twice as many

people die from suicide in Australia than die on Australia’s roads.

So our message to you all this Men’s Health Week is simple - take time to reflect on our behaviours as

men:

- Check out the risk before acting. None of us are invincible!

- Follow the health and safety procedures that are in place - they save lives and prevent injuries.

- Look after your own emotional wellbeing, recognise when the stress of life is overwhelming you.

- Talk to a mate and possibly seek professional help.

- Look out for our mates! If you are concerned about a mate then be a “real” friend and raise that

concern with him. Point out the risk/stupidity. Ask him “are you OK?” Be with him to support him

through hard times.

Men's Health Week 2016

13-19 June 2016

http://www.malehealth.org.au

http://www.menshealthweek.org.au

mailto:[email protected]

May 2016


New Zealand Men’s Shed Conference

Kaiapoi

15 – 17 April

A year ago, planning started for the Christchurch Conference.

Initially a collaborative effort by representatives of 3 sheds:

Kaiapoi, Amberley,and New Brighton. They were later joined

by Oxford and Bishopdale. In April 2016, the planning

committee delivered a Conference with the $100 registration

fee including all meals, a venue with affordable

accommodation and a surplus. Despite this, some Sheds still

found the cost to attend was beyond their means, travel costs

the primary reason given.

There were 65 sheddies (27 NZ sheds and the Flowerdale Shed, Victoria), 10 partners and 19 sponsors

/ exhibitors / demonstrators / volunteers registered for the Conference. A year of planning

culminated in a most enjoyable weekend of good company, information sharing and contacts made or

renewed.

The theme for the conference was ‘Diversity, Collaboration and Health’.

• Diversity – recognising the variety of Sheds, solutions employed and issues affecting operations

• Collaboration – working with the community, other charities and Sheds

• Health – achieving improvements in men's health

Friday 15 April

Starting with lunch, this was the social day, a chance to get to know each other. Participants were

taken on a tour of the Patience & Nicholson drill factory and a model engineering workshop. Back at

Blue Skies there was a woodturning demonstration and stands for Carbatec, Rymans, Cabot's, Cancer

Society and 3M/Blackwoods Protector. The evening provided more opportunity for socialising,

viewing of the ‘Our shed in a shoebox’ exhibition and a BBQ dinner sponsored by Carbatec.

Saturday 16 April

The formal opening of the Conference was made by David Ayers, Mayor of the Waimakariri District.

David Helmers of the Australian Men's Shed Association (AMSA) outlined what has been happening in

Australia. John Robinson (Linwood Men's Shed) and Martin Witt (Cancer Society) shared a session on

Men's Sheds and their impact on health. After lunch, Paul Hendry of Worksafe NZ outlined some of the

safety issues they see and the impact of the new H&S Act on Sheds. Continuing the theme of diversity

were presentations by 3 very different sheds: Havelock Menzshed, Manurewa Boomer Business and

Halswell Men's Shed. Trevor Scott of McIver’s Oxford Community Men’s Shed outlined some of the

issues to be aware under the heading “Is it a Shed or a business?". The final presentation of the day

was from Harald Breiding-Buss of Christchurch Community Accounting on the topic of financial and

charities reporting. The evening was the formal Dinner held and the Kaipoi Golf Club.

The Conference concluded with a Q&A panel comprised of representatives from five sheds through-

out NZ that was followed by the AGM. For a full report on the conference go to www.menzshed.org.nz

May 2016


Flowerdale Men’s Shed Hits the Note as they aim for Ireland

The Flowerdale Men’s Shed Choir

who gave us a great performance

at the closing of the Newcastle

Men’s Shed Conference are

aiming at sending the entire choir

to the Irish Men’s Shed

Conference to be held in Belfast

later this year.

Located in the Flowerdale Valley

it is part of the Kinglake Ranges

region of the Shire of Murrindindi.

Flowerdale is one of three Sheds

that were opened in the Shire as a

direct result of the tragic Victorian

fires of 2009 to cater for men who

went through that ordeal. The

Shed was gifted to them when the

Flowerdale Temporary Village

closed a couple of years after the

fires. The Shed is a safe place where men can move from post traumatic stress to post traumatic

growth.

Flowerdale Shed has two aspects that make it unique in Australia

1. They have a family violence initiative that aims to create awareness and contribute to the

movement to change the culture that contributes to violence in families.

2. They are the only Men’s Shed in Australia that has an all male choir.

The Choir was invited to take the stage at Newcastle Civic Centre to close the 2015 Conference and

was described by Patron Barry Golding as ‘the highlight of the Conference’.

Out of networking with our Irish brethren at that Conference has come a formal invitation from the

Irish Men’s Shed Association to perform at the International Men’s Shed Conference alongside an Irish

Shed Choir in Belfast in October 2016.

We are mounting a campaign to get the Choir there (and back!) and so far we have raised $7000 for

our little Choir. It is a big dream but they are not afraid to dream big and we believe we are going to

make it. We hope to take our message to the men in Ireland and to demonstrate that by listening to

one another and finding our own voice, we can also find great harmony. We are contributing this

activity to the tool box of the Men’s Shed Movement and strengthening the relationship between the

Men’s Shed Movements internationally.

Find out more about us by visiting the Flowerdale Men’s Shed site at

https://flowerdalemensshed.wordpress.com

If you wish to help Flowerdale pursue their dreams contact the Secretary Steve Joblin on

0412 334 521 - email [email protected] or Fundraising Co-ordinator Mick White on

0498 351 736

The Flowerdale Choir performing at a service on the eve of ANZAC Day at St Paul's

Cathedral in Melbourne, Note one of the choir Members Mike appearing very god like

complete with halo in the centre of the picture.

https://flowerdalemensshed.wordpress.com


May 2016


Every Wednesday in Warburton, the

Wesley Melba Men’s Shed members meet

for a chat, a cuppa and to do projects for

the local community. The members take

requests from community groups, local

businesses and others to create much

needed items and undertake small re-

pairs.

Projects have included outdoor public

picnic tables for the river banks of

Warburton, bins for plastic bag collection

when Warburton became ‘plastic bag

free’ area, picture frames for local

businesses and a tailored ‘Bob’s Set’ game

for Wesley St Mark’s Planned Activity

Group.

A recent project was the completion of a model of a Life Boat from the timber reclaimed from a

descendant from the original Gallipoli Lone Pine for the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance.

Former sea captain, John Larsen, created a replica of a Gallipoli Life Boat, ‘The Devannah’, which was

the last boat to be used to evacuate the ANZACs from Gallipoli. Another member assisted by etching

the name of the boat on the bow of the ship and the stand it sits on.

“The model will now be displayed in the museum at the Shrine. It is an important part of Australia’s

history and has huge National historical significance for Nation. The benefits of this to the community

are incalculable” says Kathleen Holton, Team Leader at Wesley’s Melba Program.

As well as being a wonderful community resource, the Men’s Shed provides a social support place for

older men which helps to keep them socially connected and engaged in their local community.

“Coming to the Melba Men’s Shed and

working together on projects for the

community has so many benefits for

everyone involved,” says Kathleen Holton.

“The men make connections with each other

and with the local community, helping them

to feel valued and engaged, and keeping

them active.”

If you’d like to know more about the Melba

Men’s Shed Warburton, please contact

Wesley Mission Victoria on 03 5962 1033.

‘The Devannah’- the last boat to evacuate ANZACs from Gallipoli

May 2016


After over four years of hard work the

Mount Beauty & District Men’s Shed fi-

nally opened its doors on Friday the

19th of February . The opening cere-

mony and the unveiling of a plaque

were performed by Bill Tilley (MLA

Benambra) in front of a crowd of

about125, consisting of Shed members,

their families, friends and supporters.

President Dick Puttyfoot said that the

purpose of the Men’s Shed is to provide

a place where men can work on private

and community projects and mentor

young people.

“During the process of working together an invaluable metamorphosis takes place,” he said.

“Members start to talk to each other, mateship develops, and men may open up about health

problems or pass on helpful information to each other.”

The movement for a Men’s Shed in Mount Beauty began in 2011 when Ian Docking, soon to be the

founding president, suggested that Alpine Health’s Community Health and Advisory Groups (CHAG)

support Mount Beauty in its need for a Men’s Shed as it had supported Myrtleford and Bright.

A public interest meeting was held in October 2011, the first committee met shortly after and the

group was incorporated in November.

The new group was offered the use of a slice of land near the Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre,

partly owned by Alpine Shire and partly by AGL Energy, and in late 2013 received a grant of $60,000

from the State Government, supplemented by $8,000 from the Alpine Shire.

Extra funds were raised through local service clubs, members working at local events and especially

through a scheme to build 33 bunks for the Outdoor School Bogong, a project which brought many

men into the organisation and taught them the basics of carpentry.

Construction of the Shed began in October 2014, using local tradesmen and volunteer work from

members with many local businesses donating time and materials to the project.

Project manager Ian Howley said that a core group of members had clocked up over 4,000 hours over

the past 18 months working on the Shed, and that now completed, the Shed is fully paid for.

“We have spent over $102,000, as well as in-kind contributions estimated to equal $20,000,” he said.

“While we are financially debt free we owe a big debt to the community for all the help we have

received – our goal is to repay that debt with our service to the Mount Beauty community over the

years ahead.”

Official Opening

Mount Beauty & District Men’s Shed By Alex Craig

May 2016


Rupanyup & District Men’s Shed Opening March 28th

Well, who would have thought that when

Michael Woods brought to a meeting of the

Rupanyup & District Consultative Committee,

a clipping from the paper, advertising grants

up to $60,000, for the building of new Men's

Sheds, that we would be gathered here today,

opening this ambitious project.

With the help of Jaye Macumber from the

Yarriambiack Shire Council and then

President of the Consultative Committee

Rodney Lingham, they frantically worked at

putting a Grant application together to beat

the short deadline that was left.

Rupanyup would like to congratulate and

sincerely thank Rod & Jaye for the

tremendous effort of meeting that dead line

and being successful in gaining the grant for

$60,000 from the Department of Health &

Human Services, Strengthening Men's Sheds

Program, new buildings 2013.

But this was only part of the funds that was

required to bring this building up to this

stage.

The rest has come from the generosity of the

Rupanyup/Minyip Finance Group, the

management committee of our Community

Bank, sponsorship from Michael Woods,

sponsorship from the Woods' Farming &

Heritage Museum, a grant from the Australian Men's Shed Association, Rupanyup Major Events,

Rupanyup Lions Club, Yarriambiack Shire Council Share Community Grants Program and 84

community members who have paid $100 each inaugural membership.

The total cost exclusive of GST for this stage one build has come to $140,042. This figure includes the

costed in-kind labour, freight and gifted material component of $25,213.

Rupanyup Men’s Shed kicked off with a meeting at the Rupanyup Hotel in March 2014 at which they

made a decision to hire a mini bus and visit the Men's Sheds at Hopetoun, Warracknabeal and Nhill on

April 9th. A few great ideas from the trip were gathered, but the overwhelming thing that gleaned

from that day, was not to build the Shed too small.

Cont p14

May 2016


cont...

From that a decision was made to build the Shed 24m x 12m, which was about as big as they thought

they could manage with the grants source. The Shed construction started on the 21st of July and the

Shed was at the lock up stage on the 3rd of August 2015. It took until the 10th February 2016 to finish

the final works of concreting the car park and paths, spreading the quarry dust and remainder of

stone, building the veranda and bollards, completing the power connection, installing water taps,

door closers, storm water pipes and fire extinguishers.

Rupanyup Men’s Shed would like to thank the 25 volunteers involved during the project, who have

contributed 420 voluntary hours to make this Shed happen. In projects likes these, there is the hidden

cost of countless hours of phone conversations, negotiations and meetings, both during the grant

applications and building phase, the hidden cost of frustration, stress and anxiety of things not going

to plan and the fatigue of working outdoors during the past extremely hot Summer.

The Rupanyup Men’s Shed was official opened by the Member for Lowan Ms Emma Kealy on the 28th

of March 2016. Despite some of the most unusual and difficult circumstances in developing this Shed

ever encountered by AMSA, this Shed in Rupanyup, a town of only 500 people, has triumphed over the

adversity. Adrian Tyler form the Rupanyup Men’s Shed quoted “we want our Shed to give you a

reason to get up and keep mentally and physically active. We want men to stay active feel good and

talk, which ultimately improves overall health and wellbeing”.

With an estimated 700 plus Men’s Sheds now operating

outside of Australia the concept of developing an Inter-

national Men’s Shed Organization (IMSO) has been dis-

cussed since 2011. Now with a partnership agreement

and a financial commitment between AMSA and the

Irish Men’s Shed Association (IMSA) the development of

the IMSO is now in a position to move forward. The Irish

Men’s Shed Association was developed out of a close

relationship with AMSA and has supported the development of over 300 Men’s Sheds throughout Ire-

land.

The Men’s Shed movement is also flourishing in New Zealand, England, Scotland, Wales, Canada and

Denmark. All of whom have been invited to contribute to the development of IMSO.

The IMSO aims to support the future development of Men’s Sheds and National Associations in new

countries and as well as offering support to the established Men’s Sheds Associations.

Through this agreement the IMSO has employed former IMSA CEO, and winner of the 2015 “Ted Don-

nelley” Award John Evoy to the position of Project Director for 6 months to take the project further.

The IMSO is under the auspice of AMSA with John based in Ireland and the IMSO is Chaired by Profes-

sor Barry Golding with a board consisting of AMSA and IMSA representatives.

Over the next few months there is a lot of work to be done as we develop the IMSO to provide support

to National Men’s Shed Associations worldwide so they in turn can continue to support the Men’s Shed

within their own countries without the need of repetition or duplication. The IMSO will be utilizing

AMSA Men’s Shed resources and documentation as most Shed’s globally have done in the past.

Moving forward the International Men’s Shed Organisation IMSO

http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjunte_3d_MAhUhKqYKHZQnA-IQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Firishtechnews.net%2FITN3%2Fthe-challenges-of-a-social-enterprise-startup-john-evoy-founder-the-irish-mens-shed

May 2016


The Windale Men's Shed

celebrated their tenth anniversary

on the 10th of April when the

history of the Shed’s beginning

and the people involved was

conveyed to members and guests.

The Windale Men’s Shed began as a project managed

by the ‘Two Bishops Trust’ and then later Catholic Care

Newcastle as a result of Windale being identified as

one of the most disadvantaged areas in Australia in

Tony Vincent's report “Unequal in Life” published

in 1999. Working with the ‘Windale Community

Group’ and after years of hard planning, hard work and

hard decisions, the Windale Men’s shed was officially

opened on 27th April 2006. Many dignitaries were in attendance at the opening experiencing the

successful achievement of establishing location for men to attend with a view to socially

re-engage, assist the local community and continue to provide benefit through their career skills.

On 28th April 2016 the Windale Shed held a function at the Shed to commemorate those years in

operation and identified people who were of assistance in getting the Shed up and running and the

current members. A special commemorative medallion was struck for the occasion and each member

was presented with a medallion initially during the ceremony in appreciation of their contribution.

Each of the fifteen special guests were progressively invited to accept a medallion in recognition of

the role they, or the position they represented, played at the time of establishing the Men’s Shed. The

medallion presentation linked with the historical overview given by Shed Manager, Kerry Thompson

who was also the Shed’s first Coordinator. In attendance was Jodie Harrison MP, State Member for

Charlestown; Greg Piper MP State Member for Lake Macquarie (whose father was an early member);

Jill Hall MP Federal Member for Shortland, Pat Conroy MP Federal Member for Charlton; John and

Margaret McNaughton, previous Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress for Newcastle, Max Stevens and

Hilton Grugeon, a business developer in the Hunter area who made significant contribution to the

construction of the shed.

Some of you maybe aware of the role Windale Men’s Shed played in the history of AMSA, as Liz

Macdonald (AMSA Shed Development Manger) was the Community Development Manager for

Catholic Care and David Helmers (AMSA EO) was the second Shed coordinator at Windale Men’s

Shed. The Windale Men’s Shed was one of the first Sheds to be substantially funded by the Federal

Government and much of the documentation and resources that were developed for this project were

shared amongst many Sheds and built the foundation for some of the early AMSA resources. Also in

2008 the objectives of the Windale Men’s Shed funding that employed David and Liz were expanded

to allow for these funds to be used for the future development of AMSA. This culminated in our success

in 2010 when AMSA received its first Funding Agreement with the Department of Health and the rest is

what you call history. So in a very significant way we have quite a lot to thank Windale for and wish

them all the very best of success in the future.

On the day shed members provided a typical ‘men’s shed’ BBQ . The event was extremely successful

with good feedback from all concerned.

Windale Men’s Shed 10th Anniversary

May 2016


WIN a STOP SAW valued at $6000 by participating

in the Siggins Miller AMSA Evaluation

As part of AMSA’s Funding Agreement with the

Australian Government Department of Health, the

Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) has

engaged a contractor with relevant experience

(Siggins Miller Consultants Pty Ltd) to conduct an

independent evaluation of the performance of AMSA’s

Support for Men’s Sheds.

The purpose of the evaluation is to assess and make

recommendations on the appropriateness,

effectiveness and efficiency of the AMSA, including

identifying opportunities to increase the AMSA’s capability and sustainability.

To achieve this, Siggins Miller will review a number of aspects of AMSA’s operations.

The evaluation will seek to obtain the views and advice of AMSA Member Men’s Shed Office Holders

at the local level, as well as individual Men’s Shed members. The project will be conducted in May-

June 2016, with contributions from the AMSA membership obtained over a 5-6 week period.

Siggins Miller will shortly contact AMSA Member Men’s Shed Committees to seek their participation

in a telephone interview (with options of online or emailed questions and answers if this is more

convenient). AMSA will provide assistance in forwarding information to Men’s Shed Office Holders

and key contacts (Presidents or Secretaries) and we encourage their participation in the interview

process and, in turn, encourage their members to complete a brief survey.

We ask that one Office Holder per Shed participates in the research. There will also be some

opportunity for members to participate in a limited number of local focus groups at Sheds (by phone).

AMSA acknowledges that the time frame for the project is relatively short and we seek your assistance

in enabling as much membership participation as possible. Your views and members’ input will be

vital to the evaluation of AMSA’s performance and the formulation of future activities or organisational

improvements to support the AMSA membership.

By participating in this evaluation your Shed will automatically go into the draw to win a ‘SawStop’

valued at over $6000 including delivery. Only one entry per Men’s Shed will go into the draw to win.

The winning Shed will be randomly selected and notified by 14th July.

Thank you in advance for your assistance and participation in the project. You will soon receive an

email from us which will provide more detailed information (including information on the process,

how the information will be used and privacy and confidentiality for participants).

If you do not wish to personally participate in the project, please let us know and AMSA will not

provide your contact details to the consultants to be interviewed.

Thank you,

from the AMSA Team

May 2016


The SawStop is a must have for all Men’s Sheds looking at

purchasing a high quality table saw. The unique safety feature

of the SawStop is invaluable in providing an operational system

that makes the risks of accidents virtually none at all.

The blade carries a small electrical signal, which the safety

system continually monitors. When skin contacts the blade the

signal changes because the human body is conductive. The

change to the signal activates the safety system . An aluminum

brake springs into the spinning blade, stopping it in less than 5 milliseconds. The blade’s angular

momentum drives it beneath the table, removing the risk of subsequent contact. Power to the motor is

shut off immediately. Resetting the saw yourself is easy. Simply replace the blade and affordable

brake cartridge and your saw is

operational. The entire reset process

takes less than five minutes.

The SawStop is of the highest quality and

is the Number One table saw in North

America and is distributed in Australia by

Maxis Distribution (as the Australian

importers) and Carbatec.

AMSA is proud to have Maxis Distribution

and Carbatec on board who have

generously donated a SawStop Industrial

Cabinet Saw (supplied with 36" T-Glide

Fence & Rails including delivery) as a

prize for participation in our evaluation being conducted by Siggins Miller.

Industrial Cabinet Saw Specifications

200 pounds of Iron and Steel for heavy duty cycles, maximum stability and ultimate precision.

Thicker Cast Iron Table for added stability

Deep Cast Iron Table allowing for about 2.5” more room in back of the blade.

Thick gauge steel in the cabinet, rails and tube and fence.

Large and deep fence. Tracks smooth and locks down solid with no deflection

Massive Cast Iron Trunnion delivers smooth, precise operation year after year

Hand Wheels for easy adjustment

Large metal motor access door for quick access

Second access door for easy maintenance

Enhanced safety features.

Industrial Lock-out/Tag-out switch

Interrupt switches on all the access doors disable saw when open.

Most Powerful 10” Saw

SawStop offers the widest range of motor and power options, including an available 5hp motor. No

other production 10” cabinet saw offers that much power!

For more information on Saw Stop call 1800 658 111 www.sawstop.com

May 2016


Chequered Flag Day

The Victorian branch of the Australian Street Rod Federation

holds an annual event to support Men’s Health and this was

held Sunday 15th May at Sandown Racecourse in

Melbourne. AMSA was asked to attend and to carry out Men’s

Health Checks using the ‘Spanner in the Works?’ program

originally designed for Men’s Sheds.

With the support of the General Practice Student Network, 3

volunteer student doctors attended and carried out the health

checks under the supervision of Gary Green, AMSA’s

Community Engagement Manager who is also a Registered

Nurse.

Overall the health team were able to do 21 health checks on

men aged from their 40s up into their 80s. The student doctors

were excellent and engaged well with the participants and

provided each participant with some health screening and

health information as well as providing up to 4 key recommendations which would improve each

blokes health.

As with most of the male population over 40 many men

were overweight or obese and it was

suggested to these men that they need to lose some

weight especially from around their gut. Carrying extra

weight around the gut significantly raises the risk of

men developing heart disease, diabetes, stroke and

numerous other health conditions.

The blood pressures taken were generally within the

recommended guidelines with some exceptions

however most of the men screened were up to date with

their cholesterol testing.

Many men had not been screened for skin cancer

(melanoma) within the last 12 months and these were

referred to their GP or skin specialist for further follow

up. As with most cancers the earlier it is discovered the

easier and more effective the treatments can be.

AMSA wishes to thank the General Practice Student

Network and the Victorian Men’s Shed Association for

their support on the day.

Don’t forget to visit the our Male Health website

http://malehealth.org.au

http://malehealth.org.au/

May 2016


The AMSA are very proud to introduce a new member to the

team.

Bec Whipper has been working for AMSA 1 day a week in a

volunteer capacity for the last 10 months, helping out where needed

and answering the 1300 number.

We thought it was time to offer her a job, and are happy to say we

have her with us for 3 days a week.

Her main role will be answering the 1300 number and helping our

with administrative duties.

Bec is waiting to introduce herself and help you where she can, so please give her a call and say

“Hi”.

IMPORTANT UPDATE!!

Everest Risk Group Pty Ltd have moved.

To speak to Sean McDermott about your shed insurance package you can contact him on the details

below:

Sean McDermott ANZIIF (Snr Assoc) CIP / Dip Fin Serv (Gen Ins)

Account Manager

Everest Risk Group Pty Ltd

Authorised Representative No 447131

Level 3, 210 George Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000

PO Box Q1676, QVB, NSW, 1230

www.everestrg.com.au

[email protected]

P 02 9241 1970 M 0449 855 896

http://www.everestrg.com.au/


Documents

The SHEDDER The official newsletter of the Australian Men ... · After negotiations with the Department, the Agreement was signed on May 3rd with the contract period commencing 1