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V M S A N e w s l e t t e r P a g e | 1
Newsletter September 2014
His Excellency Alex Chernov AC QC Governor of Victoria is proud to be
the Patron-in-Chief of the Victorian Men’s Shed Association
Emailed to a Representative of every Men’s Shed in Victoria.
Please print out a copy and distribute to members of your Shed.
In this Month’s Newsletter:
AMSA NATIONAL CONFERENCE Page 1
VMSA EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT Page 2
CANCER COUNCIL /
INTERNATIONAL SHED CONFERENCE Page 3
VMSA QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET EXPO Page 4
UPCOMING EVENTS Page 5
SENIORS COUNT LAUNCH Page 6/7
AVOIDING SCAMS Page 8
SALE MEN’S SHED BIRTHDAY Page 9
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES Page 10/11
DROUIN INDIGENOUS PROGRAM Page 12/13
FAREWELL TO MICHAEL MARTIN Page 14
COMMITTEE CONTACTS Page 15
SAVE THE DATE!
You're invited to the
6th National Australian Men's Shed
Association Conference Saturday 17 October - Tuesday 20 October 2015
Newcastle/Hunter Region NSW
V M S A N e w s l e t t e r P a g e | 2
VMSA Executive Officer Report
Welcome to the VMSA Newsletter.
Hello fellow Shedders,
The VMSA Gathering & Annual General Meeting is on October 24th at the Brighton Bowling
Club. Please RSVP to me as soon as possible.
At the AGM there will be an election for several VMSA Committee positions, nominations will
be opening soon.
The interest in the VMSA Men’s Shed Expo on November 16th has been strong. Many sheds
have taken the opportunity to reserve a stall at the Queen Victoria Market. There are still a
few stalls left so be quick and reserve one now.
Governance of sheds has been a very topical issue recently.
The VMSA encourages all member sheds to review their insurance policies regularly
and follow up any issues with their insurer.
Reviewing the status of Auspice Agreements, Leases or Policies & Procedures is
always recommended as it helps the sheds deal with any issues as they arise.
Reviewing Grievance & Complaint policies will hopefully address any future needs.
Congratulations to the Croydon and Yarra Glen & District Men’s Shed on their recent official
openings. Al Pilley, VMSA Secretary and Phil Keily, VMSA Treasurer report that both
openings were well attended and beautifully hosted.
The VMSA would like to acknowledge the passing of shed members at our AGM.
I would like to ask sheds to forward to me your shed details, the name of the member who
passed and a picture. The VMSA would like to have a Power Point slide show run during the
meeting as tribute to those who have passed since our last AGM in November 2013.
It is wonderful to receive invitations to events in sheds around Victoria and the VMSA will
endeavour to have a representative attend where possible. Please forward any notifications of
events to me so I can include them in our newsletter and arrange our attendance.
Ric Blackburn
VMSA Executive Officer.
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A simple test could save your life
In Victoria, around 1,300 people die from bowel cancer each year. Luckily, 9 out of 10 cases can be
cured if detected early.
So Cancer Council is urging all Victorians aged 50 and over to do a simple at-home test every two
years.
This life-saving test is mailed to all Victorians when they turn 50, 55, 60 and 65 as part of the National
Bowel Cancer Screening Program. But only 3 in 10 eligible Victorians are completing the test.
If more people participated in the free screening program, more cases of bowel cancer could be found
at an earlier stage when they are easiest to treat.
Cancer Council recommend screening every two years, so if you fall outside the target group, you can
purchase a Bowel Cancer Test kit from your local pharmacy or order a kit online from the Cancer
Council.
Talk to your GP or purchase a kit online today www.cancervic.org.au/boweltest - it could save your
life.
VMSA President Paul Sladdin (2nd from right) & AMSA CEO David Helmers (far left) at the
2014 International Men’s Sheds Festival hosted by the Irish Men’s Shed Association in
Dubin. Graham Curnow QMSA President (not pictured) was also in attendance
V M S A N e w s l e t t e r P a g e | 4
VMSA Queen Victoria Market Men’s Shed Expo
Sunday 16th
November 2014
The great people at the Queen Victoria Market have offered all Victorian Men’s Sheds the fabulous opportunity to display and sell their wares at the market free on Sunday the 16th of November. The
whole of “Shed A” with 50 stalls will be converted for the day into a Victorian Men’s Shed Expo. 50 Victorian Men’s Sheds can have a day in town and make some much needed money for their Sheds
and have the opportunity to promote their shed.
You will be able to sell any items made or refurbished in your shed, the only restriction is nothing with an electrical motor including power tools can be sold. You will need to provide your own trestle tables
and displays for your wares. There is no charge for the stalls but you will need to pay for or organise parking.
Stalls can be set up from 5.30am and must be open for business from 8.30am to 3.30pm.
We are keen to have demonstrations during the day which is a great way to attract customers to your stall and display the skills and activities in your shed.
One shed will be doing Pyrography demonstrations and there may be a possibility to have small activities for kids such as assembling toy cars.
The VMSA is keen to include some men’s health promotion so we will be approaching other
organisations to attend.
The first thing we need to do is see if we have 50 Sheds that want to take part on the day. Can you talk to your members and see if your Shed interested in attending? If your Shed wants to attend can
you email details including:
Your Shed’s name Contact person email and phone number
Main type of items you would sell i.e. Garden sculptures, old hand tools, etc.
To [email protected] Phone: 87426448
Once we know we have the numbers all the details will be provided to your contact person
The VMSA Newsletter would love to recognise the work our Volunteers do
around shed land.
If you would like to nominate a volunteer please contact me at
V M S A N e w s l e t t e r P a g e | 5
Upcoming Events
VMSA Gathering & AGM. Brighton Bowling Club. Friday 24th of October,
Kingston Men's Shed Inc.
Opening Thursday the 30th October RSVP Bob Taylor 0469 154 724
“Hangin’ out in the Shed” Radio show, 8 am, Saturday 2nd of November,
on 3WBC 94.1FM. Logon and listen on Live Streaming
http://www.3wbc.org.au/site/
The Barwon Cluster “Men’s Shed Day 2014”. Wednesday 12th of November
VMSA Men’s Shed Expo, Queen Victoria Market, Sunday 16th of November,
International Men’s Health Day Wednesday 19th of November
White Ribbon Day Tuesday 25th of November
6th National Australian Men's Shed Association Conference.
Saturday 17 October - Tuesday 20 October 2015.
Please feel free to send through dates of Cluster meetings,
special events, openings etc.
This will help other sheds know what is happening around Victoria.
Insurance and Membership Enquiries
AMSA / VMSA membership enquiries.
If you are a shed wishing to join AMSA / VMSA or have an Insurance query
you should contact the AMSA Membership / Insurance Officer.
Ph 1300 550 009 or www.mensshed.org
V M S A N e w s l e t t e r P a g e | 6
Launched by Victorian Minister for Health David Davis
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Priority Goals of the Seniors Count Plan
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If you’ve fallen for a scam, you’re not alone. Last year, more than 19,000 Victorians reported a scam. As many
scams go unreported, the actual number is likely to be higher.
We encourage people who have been scammed to talk it through and get the help they need.
Talk it through and get help
A scam can affect your health, work and relationships. It can help to talk about it with family or friends.
If you are experiencing depression or anxiety as a result of being scammed, you may want to contact one of
these organisations for professional help:
beyondblue
headspace (for 12-25 year olds)
SANE Australia.
How the Romance scam works
Romance or dating scams can be devastating – financially and emotionally. Some victims have lost their
life savings to someone they loved and trusted, and found themselves in serious financial debt.
After approaching their victims on legitimate dating websites, the scammer quickly moves the
relationship to personal email, phone calls or instant messaging.
The scammer builds an online relationship with the victim, often over weeks or months. They may go to
great lengths to gain their trust and affection, often speaking to their victim on the phone, and sending
flowers or gifts.
Once the relationship is established, the scammer will make up a story about needing money, often to
do with illness or injury with a family member, or to pay for a business investment. If you send them
money via money order, wire transfer or international funds transfer, it is usually impossible to recover
it.
Even when friends or family point out the scam, some people will continue trusting the scammer they
have fallen in love with.
Scammers have also posed as investigators, offering to track down the original scammer. Hoping for
justice, the victim is, instead, scammed again.
Protect yourself:
Do not send money to someone you have never met in person, even if you have spoken to them or received gifts.
Do not give anyone your bank account details – for any reason!
Listen to warnings from your friends and family.
Be wary if online dating profile pictures do not match the descriptions, or look like they were taken from a
magazine.
Further Information
consumer.vic.gov.au/ScamsHurtTalkHelps
V M S A N e w s l e t t e r P a g e | 9
Sale Men’s Shed celebrates its first birthday in its new building!
VMSA Committee Member, Lindsay Oates reports :
A rather unique church service happened on Sunday, 31st August, at Sale. A Men’s Shed Celebration
Service of the first birthday was held in the new Men’s Shed building, attended by Shedders and the
local church congregation as well as members of the community. The Sale Men’s Shed is auspiced
by St. Columba’s Sale Uniting Church and has been operating on the church site for many years. The
new shed is also built on Uniting Church land in the heart of Sale.
It was a church service with a difference, held amongst the tools, equipment, dust extractors and
works in progress. A carpenter’s workshop! The service was led by the Rev. Denis Hawkey, in
cooperation with David Lancey, the Shed Chairperson. Over 60 people attended, including local
community leaders, and it became a tight squeeze with some people having to stand at the back of
the Shed. Fortunately, after a frost, it was a bright sunny morning and inside the Shed the mood was
one of excitement and warmth. This special celebration service was a first for Gippsland. Even though
many Shedders had not been to a church service for many years they found that they knew the very
well- known popular hymns and enjoyed the stories and humour about the Shed and what it meant to
its members, their families, the church and the community.
Lindsay Oates, the Victorian Men’s Shed Association Committee (VMSA) member responsible for
assisting Gippsland Sheds, congratulated the men and the Church on achieving their goal after many
years of waiting. The Sale Men’s Shed was amongst a group of Sheds that attended the first
conference in Australia on Men’s Sheds which was held at Lakes Entrance in 2005. He added that
there were now 62 Sheds in Gippsland (with nearly 2,000 men participating) that were members of
the VMSA, over 300 sheds in Victoria and over 1,000 in Australia. He commented on the diversity of
the Sheds, not only in their buildings, programmes and activities, but in the contributions of the men to
others in their Sheds and to the community. Some Sheds just got together for a chat, others were into
woodwork, making toys, bicycles, learning computers and mobile phones, metal work, films and
books, gardening, yachts and boat building for example. He added that each Shed was different again
in how they assisted the men in the Shed with the sharing of skills, with any health issues, enabling
the men to gain friends and to participate, as well assisting the men to contribute in so many ways. He
talked of how men in Sheds had spoken of depression, loneliness, poor health and diet and of how
Sheds, such as the Sale Shed, had made a real difference to their members through the men working
and sharing shoulder to shoulder.
Lindsay concluded with a quote from the Australian Men’s Shed Association, “Men’s Sheds are not
just fixing furniture and building toys; they are fixing men and building communities”. (For
further information on Men’s Sheds or to find a Men’s Shed in your area visit: www.mensshed.org or
www.vicmensshed.org)
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Funding Opportunities
The Hon Mary Wooldridge MP Minister for Mental Health Minister for Community Services Minister for Disability Services and Reform
Saturday 12 September 2014
Mental Health First Aid training for local communities Victorian Coalition Government investing $350,000 for local mental health first aid training Training package to help communities identify early signs of mental health problems Napthine Government building a healthier Victoria Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is to be offered to members of community-based organisations across the state so that the early signs of mental ill-health can be recognised and acted on. Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge said the Victorian Coalition Government’s $350,000 training package will give people the skills and capacity to help someone who is developing a mental illness until professional help is available. “Mental Health First Aid International will be funded to deliver training to organisations which interact with a large number of community members, such as sporting clubs, men’s sheds and other community groups,” Ms Wooldridge said. “Expressions of interest for the training will be targeted at non-government organisations and open to community groups such as local cricket or netball clubs or men’s sheds.” Other groups who will be eligible for the training may be in rural and regional parts of the state where there is more limited access to mental health services. Community organisations have the choice of applying for Instructor training which accredits people to deliver the standard 12-hour training course to members of their own organisations in their own community, or for the standard 12-hour mental health first aid training course for those interested in being trained in first aid. Similar courses are available specifically for individuals who deal primarily with young people. “Training will be rolled out in communities from later in the year, once the expression of interest process has been finalised,” Ms Wooldridge said. Expressions of interest are now open until Monday 6 October and can be accessed from www.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth or by e-mailing [email protected]
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The Gardiner Foundation is inviting Victorian dairy communities to share WWI stories to feature in the Shrine of Remembrance’s regional touring exhibition, Australia Will Be There: Victorians in the First World War (1914-19). The Gardiner Foundation is pleased to be supporting this unique centenary exhibition to recognise the Victorian dairy community’s contribution during WWI. Its partnership with the Shrine of Remembrance’s touring exhibition reinforces its commitment to celebrating and supporting Victoria’s dairy communities. The exhibition will be on display at the Shrine of Remembrance Visitor Centre until Sunday, 12 October 2014 before commencing a four-year tour of regional Victoria on Thursday, 23 October 2014, including key dairy regions Gippsland, Western Victoria and the Murray region. Victorian dairy communities to share their Anzac stories. “The Gardiner Foundation is honoured to partner with the Shrine of Remembrance and deliver this important exhibition that acknowledges the contribution made by regional Victoria during WWI. “We encourage regional Victorians involved in the dairy industry to cement their place in Australian history by sharing their personal reflections of how their family or community was involved in supporting the Anzacs,” said Ms Harney. First-hand stories gathered from across Victorian communities will be displayed on an interactive screen, which will travel from town to town with the exhibition. More than 100 images from WWI will provide insights into the war and its impact. Shrine of Remembrance Director of Exhibitions & Collections, Jean McAuslan said, “The Shrine is delighted to receive the support from the Gardiner Foundation towards our centenary touring exhibition. This contribution will provide an interactive component to the exhibition and allow visitors throughout Victoria to search for stories of WWI from their community.” For more information about Australia Will Be There: Victorians in the First World War (1914-19) or to submit a story with an accompanying image visit www.shrine.org.au/australiawillbethere. Australia Will Be There: Victorians in the First World War (1914-19) tour schedule:
23 October to 2 December 2014
-4 September to 11 October 2015
r 2015
une to 30 July 2017
The Gardiner Foundation is an investor in projects that have significant impact for the Victorian dairy industry and wider community. Since 2000, the Gardiner Foundation has invested more than $50 million in cash contributions to over 700 projects. For more information about the Gardiner Foundation, visit www.gardinerfoundation.com.au.
V M S A N e w s l e t t e r P a g e | 12
Drouin Men’s Shed
David Mudge, Secretary Drouin Men’s Shed Inc reports:
Drouin Men’s Shed Inc was approached by a committee member who now works for
Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation to see if we would consider having some
indigenous men come to work in the shed around September 2013.
Following a committee meeting we agreed to give it a try and that we would open on a
Wednesday just for them to allow them to get orientated with the shed and the rules that they
would have to adhere to.
The first meeting was very informative and they were extremely happy to be given the
opportunity to work on their traditional items. It was interesting to speak with each of the 9
men that attended to hear about their lives and the difficulties that they faced in the
community. The ages ranged from 19 to mid 50’s and several of the younger ones stated
that they wanted to learn how to make their own traditional items. All 9 men joined the shed
and have become a valuable contribution to the membership. From time to time we have had
additional men join and as one can expect we have lost a few that have moved away from
the area.
The main item that all wanted to work on was to make a didgeridoo so they went bush and
found the suitable material and with our guidance of how to use the tools as you can see
from the pictures have turned out some magnificent pieces. They are also making Message
Sticks and Boomerangs.
As we have an open day and market scheduled for Sunday 30th November the men have put
aside their own projects now and are making items that we can display and sell on that day.
As a group of men they are fun to work with, are diligent in their work ethics here in the shed
and willing to share their knowledge with each of us that are in attendance on a Wednesday.
All our members have been advised that they are welcome to come and work with the boys
as they have been made welcome to come on the days we are open.
V M S A N e w s l e t t e r P a g e | 13
Drouin Men’s Shed cont.
I have had the opportunity to speak at some of the West and South Gippsland Cluster
Meetings about our program and I can only say that the response was welcome and as such
believe that if the approach is made to the local indigenous community I feel sure that they
would welcome the opportunity to work in one of the local sheds.
I would highly recommend in any shed making a presentation to any of the Indigenous
associations like Ramahyuck to see if they can encourage the local community of indigenous
men to join in with them. Firstly if gives them a place to go instead of hanging around the
streets and parks. It could take them away from the boredom that often leans them towards
drinking and other non sociable ideas and will assist them in gaining knowledge that may
assist them to find employment in the work force because they have gained experience in the
use of tools and machinery.
We have found that many of the men we have spoken to are at the end of the line when it
comes to CentreLink.
If any shed would like to make contact with me to discuss our program I will be most happy to
talk with them and maybe in the future could with the assistance of the VMSA go to some of
the sheds to make a presentation on what we have been able to accomplish.
Regards David Mudge, Secretary Drouin Men’s Shed Inc.
V M S A N e w s l e t t e r P a g e | 14
The Victorian Men’s Sheds Association farewells
long time VMSA Committee member Michael Martin.
Michael Martin Committee Member of the VMSA, member of Creswick Men's Shed and Convenor Castlemaine Men's Shed tells the story of his Men’s Shed journey: When I arrived in Maldon from Bega NSW we took a while to settle in. Then after a while people started to talk about something called Men's Sheds ! As time went by I was invited to a meeting at the local CFA and someone from the local Hospital. From that time, it started, various meetings happened I became a committee member, and we talked about building " Big Shed" we talked to someone from the DPCD we were loaned a site, we applied for a grant from the then Brumby State Government and with great excitement we did it and eventually we started the build. With a lot of help from a lot of people the Shed was built. Then Joan my partner and I went to a VMSA Fire Recovery meeting at Kinglake and I started to talk to a very nice lady named Lyn Kinder who was on the VMSA Committee. I asked about being a VMSA member, I asked about the committee and was asked if I would be interested in being the State Secretary for the VMSA. So as time went by Joan and I worked with John Quinlan who became VMSA Treasurer and along the way I became a member with the Creswick Men's Shed, after 3 years when John decided to retire we had close to 150 Member Sheds. After 3 years It then was time for me to become a committee member again, I had this idea for a long time to start a Men's Shed in Castlemaine. After a lot of very hard work with the Mount Alexander Shire Council and Windarrig an organisation for people with disabilities we made it, because we are not incorporated Windarring became our auspice for funding etc. We have had a much help from a number of business in Castlemaine. We opened the Castlemaine Men's Shed in early April, we now have 18 registered members, I managed to get Doug McConville a very good friend to be secretary and treasurer, unfortunately Doug is unwell and he has all of our 18 member’s best wishes for a speedy recovery. As I bid farewell to the VMSA I will settle down to enjoy the Castlemaine Shed. Michael Martin.
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Future Newsletters
This Newsletter is being emailed to the Contact Person at each of the sheds on the VMSA
database. We are limited in our ability to send the Newsletter to every shedder and so we
ask that as the CONTACT PERSON for your shed please print and display the Newsletter.
If you have something to share with other sheds, write a short article (photos are handy) and send to the Executive Officer [email protected]
The VMSA acknowledges the assistance of the State Government of Victoria Disclaimer This newsletter is for general information only. The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of VMSA Committee. Reasonable measures have been taken to ensure that the material contained in this Newsletter is correct. However there is no responsibility for the accuracy or the completeness of the material.
LIST OF VMSA COMMITTEE CONTACTS:
OFFICE BEARERS
President Paul Sladdin [email protected] Mansfield Shed Secretary Alistair Pilley [email protected] Monash Shed Treasurer Phil Keily [email protected] Stamford Park Shed Vice President Rob Butler [email protected] Cobram Shed
COMMITTEE
Anthony Leigh [email protected] Keysman Shed
Lindsay Oates [email protected] Mirrboo Nth Shed
Michael Martin [email protected] Castlemaine Shed
Stuart Marshall [email protected] Euroa Shed
Barbara Look [email protected] Milpara Shed