| President's Report
September 2026
September was another busy month at the shed, with all workshops and activity groups operating normally. Much of our attention is now on October, which brings the Open Day, the Annual General Meeting and the Garage Sale.
Guest Speaker
Adam Cann, Global Head of Commercial Strategy and Revenue Operations at Smokeball, spoke to us on Monday 28 September on the practical uses of AI. Thank you to Adam for making the time to speak with our members.
Events
- A Ladies Lunch was held at the shed on Saturday 5 September, and Jim gave a report back to the Monday briefing. A big thank you to Roula and the shed members who made the event such a success.
- The September dine out dinner on Tuesday 8 September was held at KUZINA, Eltham, with a three-course banquet. Thanks again to John Tenkaten for the organisation.
- Website training was held on Monday 14 September following the member briefing, covering how to access the mobile app.
- Lou’s Lunch was held on Wednesday 16 September, with Jim Gundrum reporting back at the following briefing. Thanks to everyone who helped with the meal.
- Ian arranged a visit to the Defence Force School of Music at Simpson Barracks, Watsonia, on Wednesday 23 September. Thanks Ian.
- Our EMS “Time Bandits” took out both the Judges Award and the People’s Choice Award at the Nillumbik Battle of the Bands at the Eltham Community and Reception Centre on Thursday 24 September. Congratulations to the band members on a great result, and thank you to Leon and Malcolm for their work in organising the event. A special thank you also to Ray, who provided the percussion for the band. Thank you to Nillumbik Shire for putting on such a terrific event, and particularly to Heather Macmillan, Positive Ageing Officer, Community Programs, for her support. Thanks also to our Shed photographers for the great work capturing the acts on the day.
- The end of month Sundowners on Friday 25 September was held again. Thanks to Jim and the team for organising.
- The Shed provided volunteers to support the Prostate Cancer awareness desk at the Greensborough Plaza during Senior’s Week. I am most grateful to those members who assisted in this effort.
- Jim also organised a Grand Final day at the shed for members who wanted to watch the game together. The Brisbane Lions won on the day, which was great compensation for Jim for organising the event.
Activity Groups
Mark Dellar reported on the start-up of the brewing group, and Ken Huston has been keeping us updated on the fishing group, both of which are building on the new activities that began in August. Anyone interested in joining is welcome to speak to Mark or Ken directly, or to Jim Gundrum.
John Skinner and I attended the Woodwork Shop Toolbox Meeting to discuss new leadership in the shop.
The Metal Shop is considering opening on a Thursday to increase the capacity of the facility following feedback from the metal workshop leaders regarding congestion in the area.
Open Day
The EMS Open Day is on Saturday 10 October and Leon has been briefing members on the plans. Ian is looking for pizza cooks and volunteers to help on the day, so please let Ian or Leon know if you can lend a hand. Thanks to all the team leaders who have shown their support for the event.
Garage Sale
The Garage Sale is on Saturday 24 October. David Aplin has been establishing the team leaders, and Neil gave a presentation on the bar codes we will be using to facilite payments. I encourage everyone to keep spreading the word.
Annual General Meeting
Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 12 October. Committee nomination forms and proxy forms are available by email and in hard copy and the Annual Report has been distributed by email. If you are unable to attend, please provide a proxy.
I would again encourage any member who is interested in serving on the committee in the new year to put their name forward. Nominations will be voted on at the AGM.
Coming Up
- October Dine-out, Tuesday 13 October at 6:00pm at Golden Hills Brewery, 25 Station Street, Diamond Creek. Choose the steak night special or the full menu, with some beers at happy hour prices ($5.50 a pot or $11 a pint) and house wine at $9 a glass. Please text John Tenkaten on 0418 177 647 before Tuesday 6 October.
- EMS Open Day, Saturday 10 October. Pizza cooks and volunteers are needed, so please see Ian or Leon.
- Annual General Meeting, Monday 12 October. Please return your nomination and proxy forms.
- VMSA AGM, Wednesday 21 October. The shed will be represented by Alan Lyall, Chris Sanders and myself.
- Garage Sale, Saturday 24 October. A big thank you to David Aplin and the team leaders for organising. This is an opportunity for all members to be involved and help out, so please speak to David if you can lend a hand. I hope we have a great sale day again this year.
- Member Thank You Day, Wednesday 28 October, following the Garage Sale. This replaces Lou’s Lunch in October, with a free sausage sizzle for all members.
- Jazz by the Green, Friday 30 October at the Eltham Bowls Club, with the end of month Sundowners also on the last Friday. Contact Ian Dwyer on 0410 966 108 if you would like to join the Jazz group.
- November caravan and cabin trip, Moama, 9 to 13 November, at the BIG4 Moama Holiday Park. When booking, please tell the park you are with the Eltham Men’s Shed, and let Colin McGregor know your intentions, including whether you will join the Wednesday evening river cruise and dinner.
- Caravan trip to Warrnambool, March 2027. Please see David Aplin for details.
See you at the Shed.
Bill Cooper | |
