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

February 2026

The Shed is in full swing with all the workshops active and working of projects. The woodworkers have held their first toolbox meeting and have been inducting new people. The metal shop has started a new project with the Montmorency Eltham RSL and the bike shop has been working on bikes to donate to a local church group. Singing has started again on Wednesday night and all members are looking forward to a great year.

Coming up

Alan Lyall has organised a bike riding trip along the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail.  This will involve and overnight stop and overall will be an 80 km ride.

John Skinner is arranging a Rotary Mulch Chop Out on the 14th of Feb to protect the trees planted in Danseys Paddock.  Some of us will remember this was a joint project between the Shed and Rotary some years ago.

Lynden has started up the “Man Behind the Shed” program starting on Feb. 16th with Bryan Dillon.

We have now got a new Pizza Oven up and running and Jim and team have established a great wood store ready for the first family Pizza Day on Sunday 22 February.  Don’t forget to let Ian know if you are coming along and remember to let him have the $5 per person for the day.
     

Max is again looking for support on Saturday 21 February for another Bunnings BBQ so please let him know if you can help.

On Monday 23 February there will be a Panel Discussion at the Shed at 10:30am. This discussion will be about downsizing with Shed members who have gone through the process in various ways.

Many of our members will be away from March 2 to 6 2026 at Queenscliff.  Thanks to Colin and David for organising this Touring trip away for caravaners and those who would prefer to stay in the park cabins.

The AMSA National Shed Gathering will be held from March 24 - 26 2026 and we have recently completed a survey for the VMSA who are trying to get a better understanding of how the sheds in Victoria are running.

Ian will be organising a table for the Jazz by the Green - last Friday evening of the month and the Research Blues Club will also be on last Friday evening of the month.

Highlights

Roula and Mark got our monthly lunches off to a good start for the year in January.  This was most enjoyable and thanks to everyone who assisted with the cleanup after the event.

Sundowners also got started again (thanks Jim) and Ian continued organizing the EMS tables for at the Jazz on the Green.  Malcom was also busy getting things going at the Research Blues Club as well.

Ten of us attended the Moorabbin Air Museum this Wednesday 11th Feb. This was great fun followed up by a great lunch at the Naked Racer.

Australia Day celebrations in the Eltham Square organised by the Lions group was fun and EMS supported the event by providing an information gazebo as well as some music for the day.

The Bunnings BBQ on the 25th of January was organised by Chris Sanders and well supported by shed members.  Max is continually on the lookout for people interested in organizing these events.  They are fun to do and provide a great fund-raising opportunity for the shed.  Please see Max if you think you can help.

The on the 10^th of February was held at the Panton Hill Pub and was very well attended with over 70 of the Shed members and their partners in attendance.  This was a great start to the dine out schedule for the year.  Again, a big thankyou to John for his organisation of the event. 

The new door to the Members Lounge has been installed with walk in ramps and lock.  A little work is still needed to complete the project, but the whole think is looking terrific.  Many thanks to Chris all who have contributed.

Harry is now finished with the subscription follow up and the committee will now be able to assess our ability to bring on members from our waiting list.  This is always a big job for Harry and Neil, and I cannot thank them enough for the time they have put into the process.

The council has commissioned work on the leaking eaves at the shed and work has begun in earnest.  They are also removing the old evaporative cooling system and repairing the ceiling.  Ged has been following this up on a regular basis and his efforts have now been rewarded so thanks to his and Jim who did much work on this over the years.

See you at the Shed.

Bill Cooper