| President's Report - JULY 2025
On the 1st of July, I attended the 10-year celebration of Eltham Aged Care Services (St Vincents) alongside a group from the shed, including past Presidents. This event holds significant importance due to the shared history between our organizations. It was great to see Yars and listen to his historical talk on the centre.
Lions Club Changeover Evening
The Lions Club Changeover Evening is scheduled for the 21st of July. Historically, this event has seen good attendance from our members and I encourage the committee members to join me if they are available. It’s a great occasion to foster community relationships and celebrate the Lions’ ongoing service efforts.
June Highlights
Guest Speakers
June was a month with several informative guest speakers:
- Kellie Wishart, CEO of Carenet, who discussed their work in providing food parcels for local residents.
- Paul Kabaila, who highlighted the dangers associated with internet browsers and cookies.
- An update on efforts to raise awareness of Prostate Cancer: Thanks to the shed’s donation of $1000, the group can now proceed with registering the Blue Man as a trademark. I extend my gratitude to the committee and members for their support as well as Ged and Neil’s work to make this happen. Peter Gebbert was on hand to accept the donation.
- Jim Kane from the VMSA visited the shed for the first time, offering an insightful introduction to the VMSA and their role in fostering sheds within Victoria.
Events
June saw a variety of successful events:
- Lou’s Lunch: Lou was back in the kitchen delighting attendees with his culinary skills.
- Dine Out at Kuzina: Over 60 attendees participated in this event, making it a resounding success. Thanks to John for his organisation of these events that are so important for introducing shedders and their partners to the group.
- Footy-gate and BBQ Initiatives: Our Footy-gate activities have been running smoothly under the direction of Ray Carrol. In addition, we hosted a successful end-of-financial-year BBQ for Total Tools, which has opened the door for future collaboration. Lastly, Max’s continued efforts in managing BBQs at Bunnings continues to bring in valuable revenue for the shed.
- Monthly Sundowners: The end-of-month sundowners were well attended despite the cold weather typical for this time of year.
- Strategic Group: A meeting was held at the shed to provide an update on the work done to consider the future needs of the shed. This group will examine what needs to be done to progress this effort so we can make the best of any opportunities that arise.
- Activities: All activities at the shed appear to be running smoothly. However, the new Vinyl Appreciation group has had a break due to David being laid up in hospital. Additionally, I plan to take a break with the music group. Members are travelling, and I want to review the way we run the sessions.
- June was marked by several external activities:
- Bunnings Expo: As always, well attended by our shedders.
- Defence School of Music Concert: An increasingly popular event among members.
- Jazz on the Green: Gaining popularity, with Ian doing a great job booking and organising.
- Lalor Men's Shed Health Day: A few of us attended in EMS uniform to show support and visit the new shed.
- Collaborations: The Eltham and District Historical Society held a meeting at our shed in June, arranged by Terry. This was a first, and we expect the shed may become a venue they choose to use in the future. Terry has also been busy ensuring the fallen are accurately recorded at the Kangaroo Ground Memorial. His work has been supported by our framing group who have now contributed to the RSL as well.
Security
Max has had no adverse issues to manage this month, aside from a broken lock on the Metal Shop and fence damage near the garden. Thanks to Ged’s efforts, these issues were quickly resolved by council. The team is looking to place a camera in the passageway alongside the members lounge and the bike shop.
Computers and Technology
Work on the server has been reinvigorated, and we are hopeful for good progress next month. A reminder to all holders of shed computers to back up regularly.
I have updated EMS information on the VMSA website and plan to update the AMSA website information as well. Our website needs updating and this report will now feature on the front page of the website.
Conclusion
The past months have been busy and rewarding, with events and activities reflecting the vibrancy of our shed. I must thank Chris Saines for his work as the secretary. Chris’ circumstances are making it difficult for him to continue in the shed, and I do hope he continues to keep in touch. Efforts are being made to recruit another Secretary, and I will provide an update at our next meeting.
Bill Cooper
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