Established in 2014, Eltham Men’s Shed is a community-based, not for profit, volunteer organisation that provides a safe and friendly environment where men can meet other men, develop new friendships and connect with their community. Our purpose is to support the health and well-being of our members.

The Shed offers a variety of social and practical activities throughout the week including Wood and Metal Workshops, Bicycle Restoration, Gardening, Technology and Photography. Members are able to work on projects at their own pace in their own time and in the company of other men.

Our weekly social gathering updates members on current activities, invites guest speakers and provides an opportunity to enjoy a cuppa and chat. A variety of other social activities are available including group travel, 4WD outings and dinners.

President's Report

In September 

This month the Dine out is to be held at the Golden Hills brewery.  Thanks again to Ross Montalto for organising.

Vicki Ward held a BBQ for Mens Sheds in her electorate and was well attended by EMS with about 15 of our members attending. 

The Shire is hosting an evening for local community groups in September and John Skinner and I plan to attend on behalf of the Sed.         

August Highlights

Guest Speakers

• Fernando Guedelha, who is the Fix-it Coordinator for Big Group Hug.  Big Group Hug is a charity dedicated to helping vulnerable children who are living in crisis by seeking and then distributing essential items in times of need. This short talk was interesting and gave attendees a good insight into their work and the needs in the community.  There are opportunities to volunteer for anyone who has some handyman skills and wants to support this worthy cause.
• The council provides transport to those members in our community who cannot provide their own transport for essential requirements.  To provide this service they ask for volunteer drivers who are prepared to use their own vehicles. The council reimburse for the costs and provide guidance and direction. Melanie from the Nillumbik Shire gave a brief talk and asked attendees to volunteer if they were able to assist.

Events

August was busy at the shed with all workshops operating and plenty of work on the shed facilities.

• Lou’s Lunch: Roula was back and produced another great meal. A big thank you for the whole team who assisted on the day. Thanks again to Kevin for his contribution of the wine for the lunch and the raffle.
• On Saturday 9 August the Eltham Lions & Reconciliation Group Tree planting was supported by the shed. Our members were asked to assist with chairs and assistance with parking and marshalling arrangements.  Thanks to the team who attended on the day and to Leon, for organising
• Dine Out at Shiki Japanese Restaurant: This was again well attended and thanks to Ross for organising the event in Johns absence.
• Footy gate is now over with the last event held on 23 August. A big thank you from the shed to the whole team and particularly to Ray and David for their organisation.
• Monthly Sundowners: The weather for the end-of-month sundowners was awful but was attended by many of the stalwarts and was a most enjoyable evening. 
• The Defence Force School of Music concerts are becoming a regular feature on our calendar as well as the Jaz on the Green evenings. Both events were held at the end of the month and thanks to Ian for assisting members register and obtain tickets.
• New Shed: A Working Bee was organised by Jim, and we now have a good new shed to assist with the storage problem we always seem to find ourselves in leading up to the garage sale.  This shed will be handed over to the Gardeners after the sale to house the heavy equipment we have accumulated.
• New Coffee machine: The committee approved the purchase of a new coffee machine. Our old coffee machine was starting to play up and needed upgrading.  Thanks to Lou for sourcing a new machine and overseeing the installation.
• New Chairs: The committee has approved the purchase of some new chairs for the shed. A working group spent some time researching the best chairs to suit our needs and after unsuccessfully applying for a grant we have decided to get the chairs with our existing funds. Existing chairs surplus to our requirements will be offered to other groups.
• Members Lounge: Work is being undertaken to enclose the members lounge with a sliding door and to add some air conditioning to the facility. The team is obtaining quotes and scoping the work.

Security

Members are asked to be conscious of the security requirements of the shed.  Max has now completed his camera installation, and the system is in operation.

Computers and Technology

The server has been installed and been set up to suit the shed needs.  Wi-Fi has now been reinstated to comply with security requirements, and the process of training key users has now begun. A big thank you to Andrew, John and Harry for all the hard work on this project.

Committee

Alan has begun to take on some of the work our secretary undertakes by working on the Annual report.  A big thank you to Alan who is doing all of this while caravaning up North. Many thanks to John for acting secretary and assisting with the monthly meetings.

This month we will set the date for the AGM at the committee meeting and advise all members. Members should consider if they would like to stand for the committee and it would be great to have some nominations sent John in preparation for this event. 

Bill Cooper