“shed chatter” · 2019-12-17 · page 1 of 20 queensland men’s shed association abn 82 659...

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Queensland Men’s Shed Association ABN 82 659 067 088

“SHED CHATTER”

QMSA Newsletter

Issue: December, 2019

President’s Jotttings are on page 3

John Greatrex [email protected]

‘Shed Chatter” articles MUST be in Microsoft Word format at single spacing, left aligned (this will allow the layout of the

newsletter to have a consistent look) & Arial 11 point with any photos placed within the document where YOUR Shed would like

them to be displayed. If this is not adhered too, YOUR Shed article will hold up publishing. Please mention your Shed name in

the file name as well as in your article.

Do not send a pdf of your newsletter. Take an article or two from it but the choice is YOURS not ours.

Please see several articles inside for suggested layout & information.

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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all Queensland Shedders from the QMSA State Committee

members.

Look after yourself & family as well as keep an eye on other Shed members, if possible.

THE QMSA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ACKNOWLEDGE THE ONGOING SUPPORT

PROVIDED TO THE QUEENSLAND MEN’S SHED MOVEMENT BY TERRY EDWARDS (DIRECTOR)

AND GLENN JACKSON (MANAGER) REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ASPLEY FIRM OF

DLA Partners: Accountants & Advisors, Brisbane

https://www.dlapartners.com.au/

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THE PRESIDENT’S JOTTINGS:

Greetings fellow Shedders.

Since our last Shed Chatter it has been an energetic and exciting period in Queensland. The final three

“Big BBQ Brunch” events have taken place at Dalby; Inglewood and Nerang. All three events were

enthusiastically received and supported by the Shed movement in Queensland. The host Sheds and the

AMSA Event Team did an outstanding job. This overall program was the initiative of, and supported by the

“Hand Heart Pocket Charity of the Queensland Freemason’s Lodge”. The concept was built around

“Bringing together mates for all things Men’s Shed with a side serving of good health and wellbeing”. In

between visiting Dalby and Inglewood I had the pleasure of a stopover and visit to the Oakey Shed.

I suggest you take a deep breath because the fun and excitement continues. Funding provided by the

Queensland Department of Health will enable the AMSA Events Team, with the support of the QMSA to

conduct a series of five “Living Well” Expo’s, the first of which was successfully hosted by the Redland Bay

Shed on November 19th. The remaining Expos will be held on:

March 19th 2020 – Dalby Showground.

April 30th 2020 – Cairns – Venue TBC

May 2020 – Date and Venue TBC

June 17th 2020 – Bundaberg – Venue TBC

The “Living Well” Expos are built around Mental Wellbeing from a concept developed by The South

London and Maudsley NHS Foundation which centres on a “Wheel of Wellbeing” made up of six universal

aspects of wellbeing: body; mind; spirit; people; place and planet.

Some advance notice, the QMSA with the support of host Sheds, will conduct Cluster Conferences during

2020. The first of these conferences will take place on:

February 14th 2020 hosted by the Sandgate Shed and will predominately involve the Metro North Zone

Sheds. This Cluster group will be followed by a similar event in Metro South towards the end of February,

date and venue to be advised. These first two events have the support of the Brisbane City Council.

During the 2020 year it is proposed to run this program throughout Queensland.

On Saturday, November 16th I visited the Shedders at Murgon for the launch of their MAVIS program. This

involved the recovery and refurbishment and fitting out of a Land Rover to serve as a Mobile Mental Health

Presentation unit to be taken around to various sites. I understand it has already had four outings.

Resulting from the visit to Murgon, we have now been able to form a cluster of seven Sheds in the South

Burnett region. This has only been possible because of the generous support of Jim Rook who will act as

a Zone Associate.

On Saturday, November 9th the Mount Gravatt Shedders celebrated their 10th anniversary, what a great

Shed, I was sadly unable to attend, however Rob Collins our secretary went along and is still singing the

Shed’s praises.

Finally I wish to thank all our member Sheds and Shedders. We could not succeed without your generous

support and backing. I remain in awe of the skills, innovation and fellowship that is evident and displayed in

my travels.

My kind regards to all.

John Greatrex

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Introducing your QMSA Management Committee for 2019-2920

The QMSA AGM voted in the Management Committee for 2019-2020 under the revised Rules of

Association .

The line-up is:

President: John Greatrex { Ipswich Men’s Shed }

Vice President: Gerald Barber { Shed West Community Men’s Shed }

Secretary: Rob Collins { Spring Hill Men’s Shed }

Treasurer: Russ Hawksford { Indooroopilly Men’s Shed & Shed West }

Committee: Bob Stemp { Marlin Coast Men’s Shed }

Committee: Graham Luck { Emu Park Men’s Shed }

Committee: Ken Kipping { Noosa Men’s Shed }

Committee: Ross Coates { Carina Men’s Shed }

Committee: Merv Kahler { Pittsworth Men’s Shed

Introducing Russ Hawksford

Treasurer, Russ Hawksford, is the new face on the QMSA

committee. Russ joins at an exciting time. He brings a wealth of

ability and Shed knowledge to the group. He’s a qualified

Accountant and working Company Director; an experienced Shed

Auditor and committee member. He also has a wealth of

involvement in community organizations and the financial aspects

their operations.

Russ is looking forward to meeting the wider Queensland Shed

community.

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Christmas Lights- long term entry:

For well over 12 years, Ian Young, who is a member of the Mt

Gravatt Men’s Shed, and his family have been long time entry

in an entrant in the Brisbane Courier-Mail Christmas lights

competition. Ian starts planning his complete layout early in

the year including which lighting fixture or display would look

best to tell his planned story.

The theme for2019 is: “OUTBACK WONDERLAND”! Ian

even went to having a couple of live sheep and a goat

included in his final layout. The wonderful lighting display had

led the Outback theme to be a finalist with a final outcome of a ‘Judges’ Recommendation’.

Well done, Ian!

YELARBON MEN’S SHED HAPPENING

Just a note on our Yelarbon Men’s Shed in South West Queensland. Our Shed has fifteen

(15) members, we meet every Saturday morning. We have been involved in many small

community projects including a community vegetable garden. We support an early morning

barbecue every fortnight when rural producers share their experiences and are provided with

mental support during this severe drought period. We repair furniture for locals and carry out

many woodworking and welding projects to help our members grow their skills and enjoy the

fellowship of others. We are also active in supporting the Community Improvement

Committee and participate with other local Men’s Sheds on information days. We are only a

small group of Shedders but enjoy coming together to share our experiences and skills.

We wish all Shedders a very merry Christmas and a happy and active new year. Cheers

from the Yelarbon Men’s Shed.

Phil Donges – Secretary

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An Update on the Deductible Gift Recipient [DGR] for Men’s

Sheds Matter

Author: Gerald Barber, QMSA Vice President

Sheds would be aware the Federal Treasurer had previously announced Men’s Sheds would be

eligible for DGR status as from July 1st, 2020.

QMSA is representing Queensland Sheds on the group discussing this matter with the Federal

Government and we are the subject of a Confidentially Agreement. However a general over view of

the situation is in order.

In November a ‘phone hook-up was organized with some Queensland Sheds. QMSA was included as

we are nominated as the only body to represent all Queensland Sheds. We were not involved in

selecting the groups invited.

The specific purpose of this was to give the Canberra people some input from the general Shed

community. The discussions involved bringing us up to date on the Federal position and giving those

involved the opportunity to question and comment on the matter.

We would all understand a priority from the Government’s point of view is ensuring the integrity of the

systems involved while not inhibiting access to eligible parties.

The inclusion of Men’s Sheds in this program will involve an amendment to Federal legislation

passing Parliament; not some simple administrative action, hence what seems like an involved

process. There are two Federal bodies involved, The Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits

Commission [ ACNC ] and the Taxation Office. To be eligible for DGR status an entity must have

Charitable status [ the prerogative of the ACNC ] and then meet the eligibility criteria stipulated in the

Tax legislation [ prerogative of the Tax Office ]. The Federal Health Department is not a party in these

meetings.

Much of the discussion has involved devising a straight forward application process that will meet the

requirements of the relevant departments. This is a work in progress. Sheds already having charitable

status will necessarily have another path to follow and this is yet to be determined.

The inclusion of Men’s Sheds in the eligibility criteria is the key to simplify applications for Sheds. It’s

just the pathway seems complicated, but it is the end result that’s important.

There is no doubt a simple “how to” process will be devised and circulated. The only stumbling block

could be a Shed’s Rules of Association [ Constitution ]. This document must out line specifically

matters pertaining to the disbursement of funds in the event of Shed disbandment. Don’t get too

concerned about this, as guidance will be circulated well prior to July and may not adversely affect

many Queensland Sheds.

We will keep all Queensland Sheds advised.

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Crows Nest & District Men’s Shed

A recent initiative by the Queensland Police Service called 'Look to the Stars', saw the Crows Nest & District Men’s Shed being asked to design and create a garden area at the local police station. The central feature is a large granite rock with a plaque highlighting a special piece of artwork by indigenous artist Jenna Lee.

According to Police Commissioner Stewart, “Look to the Stars is a turning point in our history. This is the first time that the QPS has taken a unified approach to use an art piece to break down barriers and build relationships across not just Indigenous communities but all of the diverse cultures living in our state.”

Shed Members are proud to be able to play a part in our local community.

https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/…/queensland-police-service-lo…/

Carers Queensland plays a very important role in our local community, providing care to those unable

to look after themselves. Once again, the Shed was able to cater for the Annual Carers Lunch.

Pictured from left to right is Peter Long (President), Nick Comer (Secretary) and Bruce Beazley. A

number of other members were also present to help.

The plight of victims of Bushfires effects everyone, and the Stanthorpe area was particularly hard hit

in that they were also suffering from a serious water shortage at the time. Our Shed, along with a

number of other Sheds, donated funds to the Stanthorpe Shed to help with the supply of water to

those in need. Stanthorpe Shed were then able to buy quantities of bulk water to pass on to others.

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Building Connections at Men’s Sheds (Courtesy of ‘Starts at 60‘ newsletter)

Entering retirement is for the most part an exciting journey full of new possibilities and adventures but

at the same time the transition from working life can be a shock to the system with so much free time

on your hands.

Instead of having a job to go to each day to make up the hours retirees are often left twiddling their

thumbs trying to figure out what to do with their newfound freedom. This is why it’s important to be

prepared and consider what will help you live out a happy and fulfilling next stage of life.

There are many clubs and groups aimed specifically at women, but don’t worry gentlemen, there is a

special one for you too. Men’s Sheds have continued to pop up around the country since the 1980s

with males from all walks of life coming together in a shed of some sort to create, chat and learn new

skills.

They can be found in small country towns and bigger cities throughout Australia with all offering fun

activities and most importantly, a chance to connect and form new friendships. From fixing lawn mowers

and making furniture, to creating handmade toys for local school kids, the groups not only helps

members, but the wider community as well.

However, there is a greater meaning to Men’s Sheds than getting a bunch of males together for a chat,

it’s about building positive mental health and reducing the rates of depression, anxiety and social

isolation among the cohort. Unlike women who could no doubt talk for hours about how they are feeling

and what is upsetting them, men are typically less likely to open up if they’re struggling.

And there are a lot of men that are in need of some support. According to mental health

organisation Beyond Blue, one in eight men experience depression at some point in their lives, and one

in five battle with anxiety. That’s why the Men’s Shed was created, to encourage males to look out for

each other. Even if it’s just a cuppa and biscuit, it could make the world of difference.

Building other Connections

A career not only brings financial gain, but friendships and a support system, and without that in

retirement you can become isolated and withdrawn from the community. Those days chatting to

colleagues about day-to-day life and issues are actually beneficial and this kind of connection should

be mirrored in retirement.

Looking after the grandkids and spending time with family is an obvious way to increase that social

interaction but sometimes your loved ones may live far away and visits could be difficult. If you’re feeling

lonely and need someone to chat to Starts at 60 Meet-ups are a good place to start to grow connections

and make friendships. Over-60s generally meet once a month at a local cafe for a chat and coffee, and

everyone is there to make friends, so there is no need to feel nervous about the experience.

If that’s not your thing, perhaps you could try joining a gym or walking group, you may be surprised how

many great people are out there also wanting to extend their friendship circle. Alternatively, if you want

to give yourself a bit of a project, you could begin your own social group with weekly outings to grab

coffee, try out new dinner venues, or even get away for the weekend to a relaxing beach resort. After

all, a retirement is more fulfilling with people around you.

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As explained by researcher Wei-Ching Wang of the I-Shou University in Taiwan, the end of full-time

employment doesn’t guarantee a fulfilling retirement. In fact, from a study of 454 retirees, Wang was

able to draw a link between the management of free time and a person’s overall quality of life.

After questioning the Baby Boomers about their daily activities, goals and attitude, the researcher used

the quality of life scale from the World Health Organisation to determine just how much the two interact.

In the end he concluded: “Quality of life is not affected as much by the amount of free time that a retiree

has, but on how effectively the person manages this time on hand. Therefore, it is important to educate

people on how to use their free time more effectively to improve quality of life.”

The ‘real’ Editor

of Shed Chatter

Just in case you forgot

it is the silly season1

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Eight tips to help ensure the success of men's health programs

Reviewed by Kate Anderton, B.Sc. (Editor )Nov 7 2019

With November comes Movember, putting the spotlight on men's health, and UBC nursing professor

John Oliffe has a few tips that can help ensure the success of men's health programs. He recently led

a study that reviewed community-based programs in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, U.K., the U.S.

and other regions to see what worked and what didn't.

“Men tend to shy away from clinical medical services and formal health care programs, leaving

community-based programs to help fill the gap. But not all programs are created equal. Our research

shows that the ones that succeed are those that recognize and adapt to the social forces that

uniquely affect men." (John Oliffe, principal investigator of the men's health program based at UBC's

faculty of applied science)

1. Recognize the forces that affect men's health: The UBC research points out that social

factors can significantly affect health, including race, culture, socioeconomic status, education

and income levels. Dudes Club, a program based in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside,

succeeds because its content is tailored to its largely Indigenous clientele. Events include

culturally based activities and elder-led circles, and clients are reporting improved mental,

spiritual, physical and emotional well-being as a result.

2. Physical activity builds connections: Activity-based programs that link to masculine ideals

such as problem-solving and physical prowess work well. Men's Sheds, a program that runs in

Australia, Canada and a few other countries, successfully attracts men with woodworking

activities, computer tutorials, gardening and informal social events.

3. Safe spaces help men open up: Many men are reticent to talk about health challenges or

talk about personal issues, but programs--like prostate cancer support groups--can expand

their comfort zone by creating safe spaces for sharing experiences and discussing sensitive

topics.

4. Knowledge can combat stigma: Many men who are experiencing health challenges like

depression or suicidal thoughts lack knowledge about their condition, which further fuels any

stigma they may already feel. Community-based programs can promote health literacy and

tackle stigma by using simple, non-judgmental language to describe health conditions, Oliffe

said.

5. Men-focused environments work well: No surprise, "men-friendly" community spaces and

activities--such as sports events or competitions--work better in recruiting men to health-

related programs than strictly clinical programs. Oliffe points to a few examples, including

some European soccer clubs, that draw men in to join exercise and healthy eating programs.

6. A clear vision for the program is a must: Programs must have tangible benefits, clear goals

and strong, collaborative leaders. Dads in Gear-- developed to assist dads to quit smoking--

recruited participants with an offer of free meals and child care. It emphasized the need for

participants to actively work for their well-being, and it encouraged the men to independently

sustain their healthy practices after completing the program.

7. Evaluate to perpetuate: Every program should carry out a consistent and formal evaluation

process, Oliffe advises. This helps to support future funding efforts and ensures the program is

working as well as it should.

8. 'Pop-ups' are OK: And finally, don't expect to sustain or expand every program, says Oliffe,

as some might be best considered "pop-ups". Once they've hit their goal, they can be retired

and regarded as the seed for future ideas.

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Source: University of British Columbia

Journal reference: Oliffe, J.L., et al. (2019) Community-based men’s health promotion programs: eight

lessons learnt and their caveats. Health Promotion International. doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daz101.

For more information on the men's health program at UBC, visit http://menshealthresearch.ubc.ca

Satnav – A poem by Pam Ayres.

I have a little Satnav, it sits there in my car. A Satnav is a driver's friend it tells you where you are. I have a little Satnav; I've had it all my life. It's better than the normal ones, my Satnav is my wife. It gives me full instructions, especially how to drive "It's sixty miles an hour", it says, "You're doing sixty five". It tells me when to stop and start, and when to use the brake And tells me that it's never ever, safe to overtake. It tells me when a light is red, and when it goes to green It seems to know instinctively, just when to intervene. It lists the vehicles just in front, and all those to the rear. And taking this into account, it specifies my gear. I'm sure no other driver, has so helpful a device. For when we leave and lock the car, it still gives its advice. It fills me up with counselling, each journey's pretty fraught. So why don't I exchange it, and get a quieter sort? Ah well, you see, it cleans the house, makes sure I'm properly fed. It washes all my shirts and things, and keeps me warm in bed! Despite all these advantages, and my tendency to scoff, I only wish that now and then, I could turn the bugger off.

Editorial Notice: I have nothing to do with some content. The author is a female that is assuming ‘Pam’ is a

woman’s name. If you show the above poem to your wife/spouse/partner/friend-with-benefits, ALL

responsibility is with the person in your pants at that moment. Further to denying any responsibility, my

fingerprints aren’t on this article nor, “Darling, I don’t believe it applies to you!”

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Greetings from Far North Queensland. By Richard Clews

Kuranda Men’s Shed was formed in 2012 up in the rainforest on the Great dividing range above

Cairns, a beautiful spot if you get a chance to come up this way. In 2017 a new crew decided to make

it happen for the Kuranda community. A Lysaught steel Vietnam war era barrack building was waiting

for us in six large packing cases at Wallangarra, a shed site was secured with the aid of our local

Council overlooking the Kuranda railway line and the Barron river. We organised a truck to collect the

crates and deliver them to our site in 2018. We cleared the site and got the pad formed for the

shed concrete slab at the end of 2018. Then it was all go from May to September with a local builder

getting the slab poured, crates unpacked and our shed erected. Now Kuranda Mens Shed is on the

map as you can see from the photos the guys are left to right Richard Clews , president, Daryl

Douglass Secretary/shed boss, Brad Lewis building adviser and our deputy shed boss Eddie Myles.

Photos by our own media person and rabble rouser Billy Cohen.

Look out for the next exciting chapter from KMS.

This pic didn’t

look ‘right’ so it

was rotated

180. It still

doesn’t look

‘right’

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Murphy says to Paddy,

"What ya talkin into an envelope for?" "I'm sending a voicemail ya fool!" 19 Paddies go to the cinema, the ticket lady asks "Why so many of you?" Mick replies, "The film said 18 or over." I went to the cemetery yesterday to lay some flowers on a grave. As I was standing there I noticed 4 grave diggers walking about with a coffin. 3 hours later and they're still walking about with it. I thought to myself, they've lost the plot!! My daughter asked me for a pet spider for her birthday, so I went to our local pet shop and they were £70!!! Blow this, I thought, I can get one cheaper off the web. Statistically, 6 out of 7 dwarfs are not Happy. My neighbour knocked on my door at 2:30am this morning, can you believe that 2:30am?! Luckily for him, I was still up playing my Bagpipes. The wife has been missing a week now. Police said to prepare for the worst. So I have been to the charity shop to get all her clothes back. Sat opposite an Indian lady on the train today, she shut her eyes and stopped breathing. I thought she was dead, until I saw the red spot on her forehead and realised she was just on standby. When I was in the pub, I heard a couple of plonkers saying that they wouldn't feel safe on an aircraft if they knew the pilot was a woman. What a pair of sexists. I mean, it's not as if she'd have to reverse the bloody thing! Local Police hunting the 'knitting needle nutter', who has stabbed six people in the rear in the last 48 hours, believe the attacker could be following some kind of pattern. Just got back from my mate's funeral. He died after being hit on the head with a tennis ball. It was a lovely service. Paddy says "Mick, I'm thinking of buying a Labrador. "Bugger that" says Mick, "have you seen how many of their owners go blind?"

Apologies to my mother & father’s forebears. My Mum was an

O’Dea & Dad was an O’Brien. But there may be a smile

somewhere amongst these sayings.

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Burpengary and District Men’s Shed.

Early this year we were approached by the Burpengary State School to construct some figurines

for them, from their design, for a project known as ‘Safety Buddies’. This meant constructing several

1200mm high figures on Marine Ply from some presented to us on A4 paper sheets drawn by children

with assistance from teaching staff. With the expertise, and machinery, we have in our shed we

accomplished this task with ease, cut out several of each shape, painted them and then presented them

to the school. A short while later, after faces were painted on the figurines by the school, a launch of the

project, and presentation was made at the school on the 18 th

November 2019 with the local police present and

supportive. (see pictures attached) We at the BAD Men’s

Shed were proud to be a part of this project which

demonstrates fully what Men’s Sheds are all about, serving

the public, and providing tasks for men to achieve and keep

them occupied.

The idea of this project is to suspend the ‘Safety Buddies’ high on fencing around the area of

the school as a reminder to anybody driving by of the safety required around our school areas.

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Opening of The Logan City Community Men’s Shed on Sunday 31 March Written and composed by Ross Coates QMSA Metro South Zone Representative.

On a fine autumn day in March the fruition of eight years of dreams and aspirations came together

when the Logan City Community Men’s Shed was opened.

The Shed President, Tony Hunter, was well

pleased with the result and it showed; all

over his face. The eight year wait was

finally over and the shed was certainly one

to be proud of. With excellent facilities and

the potential to grow, the immediate future

looked very bright for them all.

The event was well attended by the Shed

members, as well as other local dignitaries

including most of the QMSA Management

Committee, myself included, our President John Greatrex, and Vice President Gerald Barber. The

Australian Men’s Shed Association representative Len Thompson was also present as were some of

the local Qld Police contingent who were as pleased

with the Shed as everyone else was. There was also a

lot of visitors curious as to what it was all about. The

local councilor Phil Pidgeon arrived in a restored

vintage Antique Ford which was a big hit with everyone

there and created a lot of interest on the day. Talk about

making an entrance!

The Sausage sizzle and everything about the day was

a great success with plenty of food and lots of goodwill.

Tony Hunter and

The crew were more than happy to show visitors around their new Shed.

Right, John Greatrex, Centre Len Thompson and Left Tony Hunter

The Restored Ford President Tony Hunter Centre

Both Presidents John Greatrex QMSA and Tony Hunter Logan City Community Men’s Shed said a

few words to the gathering to commemorate the opening day and Tony received some fresh

membership applications to join the new Shed.

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Visitor to Noosa Men’s Shed from Pine Rivers shed.

*Mark Ingram from Pine Rivers shed visited NMS

and is seen here talking with one of noosa mens

sheds' garden gurus, Gavin Menkins.

Mark, mentioned he enjoyed the hospitality and

warmth of the members he met and chatted with

during his visit and indicated that sheds have a lot

of information that can be passed on to each others

sheds which may save a lot of repetition /

reinventing the wheel.

QMSA always encourage shed members visiting

other sheds.

We ARE BETTER TOGETHER +

We can always learn from each other said, kk.

QMSA would like to extend its sincere appreciation to John O'Halloran of NMShed who, together with the IT

Committee,

has been most helpfull in establishing the website.

There is to be a meeting of the IT committee as soon as we can get them together, bearing in mind, Family and

Christmas must have priority. They/we are ALL volunteers.....

Some more good news ...We are getting commercial sponsors on board for which the QMSA Committee is most

grateful.

DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED by President John and QMSA soon.

Kk

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279 Blackall Range Road WEST WOOMBYE Q 4559

Phone: 0498 463 430 Email: [email protected]

ABN 84 993 931 261

Hello again to everybody in Queensland Men`s Shed world. As mentioned in our last article, on the 28th of August, twenty of our Members boarded a bus, ably driven by secretary Barry, for a day trip to Murgon Men`s Shed for a return visit. We

arrived in time for smoko and after introductions, had an informative tour of their shed and projects on hand. One of which was the restoration of railway carriages. We were well provided with a

Bar-B-Q lunch on the disused station platform. The old railway facilities provide good amenities and sheds for their members. After lunch their president Dave took us around to their storage shed to show off their many excellent restorations of sulkies, buggies, carts, vintage tractors and novelty horse drawn rides- all in working order. They even taught themselves how to become wheelwrights to restore the wheels. A very impressive job indeed.

The day ended with a group photo in front of their shed.

DAY 2 below

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On the home front, three members of our Club helped students at Palmwoods State School construct birdhouses, as part of the Schools' Enrichment program over a five week period, last term. Wood was supplied from the Club's Woodworker's scraps. Here are the proud students showing off their completed and decorated birdhouses with members Ivan, Ron and Dave making up the rear. We were very honoured to hear that it was one of the best projects to be undertaken so far in this program and enjoyed being involved.

Another successful community project just completed was the providing and installing of a Stingless Native Bee Hive for Woombye State School in their gardens for the students to study and enjoy. At left we have members Dave and Griff setting up the hive on it`s stainless stand with a little roof. The hive was obtained by us conducting a split on our own hive the night before. An opening ceremony was held immediately after with the Prepies and year 1`s having an assembly. Heaps of questions. The hive was then opened by the next years school leaders

removing the gauze covering the entrance hole and letting the bees go about their business. This was overseen by Griff, Headmaster Paul, Dave, President Ron, and 3 Prepies. Onother major event was the eventual concreting of our Driveway by Council contractors. This has been long overdue and will stop cars from slipping on the gravel. They are still to do the carpark, hopefully before Christmas.

Finally on behalf of President Ron and his hardworking commitee we take this oppertunity to wish all Shedders a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Regards Dave Brigg, Sunshine Valley Men`s Shed.

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Health & Safety considerations re Christmas

Is nothing safe from this insidious ridiculousness !!!? !!!

2019

Before arranging any Christmas Festivities, please note these Occupational Health & Safety

considerations this Christmas:

1. Jingle Bells

Dashing through the snow

In a one horse open sleigh

O'er the fields we go

Laughing all the way .

A risk assessment must be submitted before an open sleigh is considered safe for members of the

public to travel on. The risk assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one

horse for such a venture, particularly if passengers are of larger proportions. Please note, permission

must be gained from landowners before entering their fields. To avoid offending those not participating

in celebrations, we would request that laughter is moderate only and not loud enough to be

considered a noise nuisance.

2. While Shepherds Watched

While shepherds watched

Their flocks by night

All seated on the ground

The angel of the Lord came down

And glory shone around .

The Shepherds Union has complained that it breaches Health and Safety regulations to insist that

shepherds watch their flocks without appropriate seating arrangements being provided, therefore

benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available. Shepherds have also requested that, due

to the inclement weather conditions at this time of year, they should watch their flocks via CCTV

cameras from centrally heated shepherd observation huts.

Please note, the angel of the lord is reminded that before shining his / her glory all around he / she

must ascertain that all shepherds have been issued with glasses capable of filtering out the harmful

effects of UVA, UVB and Glory.

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3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer

had a very shiny nose.

And if you ever saw him,

you would even say it glows .

You are advised that under the Equal Opportunities act, it is inappropriate for persons to make

comment with regard to the ruddiness of any part of Mr. R. Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr R

Reindeer from the Reindeer Games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be

taken against those found guilty of this offence. A full investigation will be implemented and sanctions

- including suspension on full pay - will be considered whilst this investigation takes place.

4. We Three Kings

We three Kings of Orient are

Bearing gifts we traverse afar

Field and fountain, moor and mountain

Following yonder star .

Whilst the gift of gold is still considered acceptable - as it may be redeemed at a later date through

such organisations as 'cash for gold', etc. - gifts of frankincense and myrrh are not appropriate due to

the potential risk of oils and fragrances causing allergic reactions. A suggested gift alternative would

be to make a donation to a worthy cause in the recipient's name or perhaps give a gift voucher.

We would not advise that the traversing Kings rely on navigation by stars in order to reach their

destinations and suggest the use of a satellite navigation, which will provide the quickest route and

advice regarding fuel consumption. Please note as per the guidelines from the RSPCA for Mr Donkey,

the camels carrying the three Kings of Orient will require regular food and rest breaks. Facemasks for

the three Kings are also advisable due to the likelihood of dust from the camels' hooves.

5. Away in a Manger

Away in a Manger

No Crib for a bed.

DHS should be immediately contacted as mangers are not suitable places of rest for newborn babies

due to unsanitary conditions, sharing with animals, lack of proper ventilation and no access to running

fresh water and heating. Therefore under no circumstances should a crib be put in a manger. A risk

assessment should also be carried out before allowing animals to occupy said manger - are there

tethering facilities, running water, and food receptacles. If not, the manger should not be used and

the animals should be removed and housed elsewhere (but still not with the Baby Jesus).

You must be fully cognisant of your responsibilities re a full declaration/conflict of interest

considerations/Asset register.

What a wonderful world we live in now, don'tcha think.

“shed chatter” · 2019-12-17 · page 1 of 20 queensland men’s shed association abn 82 659...

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