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

July 2026

I was away in Queensland and New South Wales for most of June and early July so this will be my first update since my return.  Thanks to John Skinner who took over duties in my absence.

Normal activities continued in the month for all workshops. The woodies held their midwinter lunch.  The bike group has continued to assist with repair work and donations of refurbished machines.  The council conducted a fire audit, and most things appear to be in order with only a few small follow-up actions required.

Roula was back and produced an excellent lunch this month. Thanks again Kevin for the contribution of the wines where the raffle always creates a sense of fun. This donation makes the lunch keep going at such a low cost to members.  I would remind members attending lunch that it is very important to assist with the clean-up when you can.

Thanks again to Ian for organising the musical events for members again this month.  The Greensborough Bowling Club are continuing with their Sunday afternoon music and this month, Leon’s band “Good Times”, played to an enthusiastic audience, many of whom were Shed members.  The usual Jazz on the Green was held at month end and Ian organized a table.  

The dine-out dinner on the 14^th of July was at the Montmorency Eltham RSL and was attended by a group of about 70 members and their partners.  Thanks again to John for organising the large group and the RSL who managed our numbers very well.

The guest speaker this month provided an insight into the L2P program and the need for more experienced drivers to assist young drivers through their licence requirements.   On Monday 27 our Guest Speaker was Kevin Cassidy, a Long-Distance Swimmer. He gave insight into the trials and challenges facing open ocean swimmers when crossing the English Channel and other significant water crossings.

Thanks to Jim and Ged for getting the Garden Watering Project started this month.  This will assist the garden team with the challenge of watering the steep sloped banks toward the carpark.  We have experienced some issues with the controller, and the Tech Group are working to resolve the problem. Work Is continuing with the painting of the door and frame of the Member's lounge.

The end of month Sundowners BBQ was well attended this month even if it was a cold winters night. Thanks to Jim, Wally and Rocky for organising.

We have been asked by the VMSA to assist with a petition to government to provide additional funding. Most of the membership has signed it with the detail sent back to the VMSA.  I have completed a detailed questionnaire for the AMSA to better inform them on our shed.  We try to cover the shed history and progress in the Annual Report. I have also asked some of our members to write short articles about the shed and send them to me.  These will be sent to interested parties in response to the requests I regularly receive for shed related content.  If you are interested in participating in this project, please let me know.

Coming up

Don’t forget to book for the November Caravan Trip to Moama as well as the Dinner Cruise. Please make Colin aware of your intentions.

Don’t forget to spread the word on the Garage sale which is planned for 31^st October.

Ian is arranging a dinner table at the Greensborough RSL for a Neil Diamond Tribute Concert. So, if you are interested let Ian know.

On Monday 10 August after the Member Briefing John Cann is organising Website training for interested members

On Tuesday 18 August we will need some assistance with chairs for the VV Day service at the Monty RSL. The Montmorency Eltham RSL have asked us to support the Service by providing and setting up 50 chairs. The service will be held at 11:30 am and we plan to deliver the chairs by 10:30. Please contact Charlie Ball if you can assist.

On Sunday 23 August the shed will host a Family Pizza Day.  If you intend to come along and bring family-members please make sure you order your Pizza from Ian Dwyer.

The Guest Speaker this month will be about Electric Vehicles so that promises to be very interesting.

See you at the Shed.

Bill Cooper