wamsa chairman: john d mcdougall great news! sheds will ... · wamsa chairman: john d mcdougall...

WARBLER #13 The official newsletter of the Western Australian Men’s Shed Association www.wamsa.org.au 1

Great News! Sheds will get $300 to attend WA Men’s Shed ConferenceLotterywest announced it has approved funds to assist shed members attend this year’s state conference.The 2012 WA Men’s Shed Conference will be co-hosted by the Mosman Park and Fremantle Men’s Sheds and held at the new Men’s Shed at Tom Perrott Reserve, McCabe Street, Mosman Park on October 3 & 4. The Lotterywest funds provide up to $300 for the first 100 Sheds that register conference delegates for the two days. Metropolitan sheds will receive $150 per delegate (maximum 2 delegates) and non-metropolitan sheds will receive $300 even if they send only one delegate to help cover the extra cost of travel and accommodation. The discounted conference registration fee of $165 is only available to people representing sheds and committees planning a shed that are financial members of WAMSA.

The official newsletter of the Western Australian Men’s Shed Association

From the WAMSA ChairWAMSA Chairman: John D McDougall

Register your shed now to be eligible to vote at the WAMSA AGM

We’ll be ready... just in time!

Women in sheds - a view from Esperence p32012 Men’s Shed Conference details p4

The finishing touches are being applied to the venue for the WA Men’s Shed Conference - the Mosman Park Community Men’s Shed. The shed was only at lock-up stage a few weeks ago so in a short space of time the builders and a team of the shed’s own volunteers have put in a huge effort to make sure everything is ready on time.

The patron of Men’s Sheds in WA, the Governor of Western Australia, His Excellency Malcolm McCusker, AC CVO QC will open the conference proceedings on Wednesday October 3. That will be the start of two days of sharing knowledge and experiences of setting up and running men’s sheds.

It’s not all speeches and lectures though; there are ask-the-panel forums on establishing a shed and where sheds can apply for funding, a heavily-requested workshop titled “Writing funding applications” as well as the ever popular “Sundowner”where delegates can relax, and catch up over a beer (or soft drink) to discuss the topics with other delegates.

What’s in this issue:

Pollies hammer on common ground... p2

September 2012

...continues Page 3

More on the Conference on page 4

Peter Dring, one of the volunteers from the Mosman Park Men’s Shed, working hard to ensure that the WA Men’s Shed Conference venue will be ready on time.


The official newsletter of the Western Australian Men’s Shed Association

From the EditorThis newsletter is your voice and a place to pass on any newsworthy event that has happened or is planed at your shed. As well as your contributions we’ll bring you articles and information about, and issues of interest to, WA sheders.

I can be contacted by on 9457 9198 or 0488 007 942 with any queries. I would also ask that you circulate the Warbler to your database of shed members that have email and, if possible, print a few copies for those who would like to read it at the shed.

Thanks,Murray Gracie

AdvertisingThe Warbler is distributed to all Men’s Sheds in WA and a number of stakeholders and affiliated organisations. If you would like to sponsor or advertise in the Warbler or would like to make a donation please contact Murray Gracie via [email protected] or Gary Bryant on 0414 950 902.

SubmissionsPlease submit articles in a word document and any pictures as jpegs. Please include peoples names in captions contained in the body of your email or in the word document. If you have any questions please contact [email protected]

DisclaimerThis newsletter is for general information only. The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of WAMSA. We have taken reasonable measures to ensure that the material contained in this newsletter is correct - however we accept no responsibility for the accuracy or the completeness of the material.

Events and dates to rememberSeptemberRenewed your shed membership?Still time to get displays ready for the conference.

3 & 4 October - WAMSA Conference2012 WAMSA Conference - Mosman Parkvisit www.wamsa.org.au for more information

14 November - Have a go day!8:30am–3pm Burswood Park. Why not have a go...

Artwork & Design by Paul Nockolds 0412 337 446

Hannah Beezley Labor Candidate for Riverton and Hon Mark McGowan MLA Leader of the Opposition demonstrating a common focus - Men’s Sheds.

On a recent visit to The Canning Community Men’s Shed for morning tea and a chat Hannah and Mark competed to see who could hammer home there particular point. In a photo finish it was politically correct to call it a draw...

Hammering home a point

Have a Go Day at BurswoodThe Seniors Recreation Council of WA (SRC) is proud to present Have a Go Day an information & activities day held in Burswood Park. This year it will be held on Wednesday 14 November 2012, between 8.30am and 3pm. An exciting program of activities is planned including Tai Chi, Seniors Golf, Exercise to Music, Archery, Weightlifting, Canoeing, Tennis, Traditional Wing Chun, Croquet, Squash, Bridge, Climbing Wall, Group Walk and Helicopter Rides, all topped off by a wide range of static displays. For more information visit www.srcwa.asn.au

Be a part of the WA Mens Shed Conference October 3 and 4


From the WAMSA ChairWAMSA Chairman: John D McDougall

Continued from page 1...

The Esperance Men’s Shed opened in July 2009 having received some of its initial funding on condition that a community facility be created for men and women to join. Today we have 58 men and 12 women members aged between 18 and 85.We are basically a woodworking shed with a congenial environment where members can meet to undertake their own projects, receive tuition or just socialise. We find that there is great respect and companionship between our men and women, each supporting the other: we do not have conflict. Some of our women members support various shed activities while others are very serious about their own projects. We have some very talented lady wood workers.Others provide fabulous food for our smokos, Friday night BBQ’s, and Saturday morning teas. One lady is our safety officer, two are on our committee and a third runs a literacy class for people with disabilities. Yet another lady member helps our coordinator with weekly classes for our Anglican High School teenage boys and girls in their woodwork tuition. She has offered to be our project manager for our community garden when it gets underway.Our women members are very interested in our men’s health and well being and we find that the activities at the shed provide a comfortable environment that fosters friendships particularly for those who have lost their partners.Our town of Esperance supports a broad acre farming community where traditionally women are closely involved in the activities of men; we have a tradition in that “we take care of our own.” The pioneering spirit that opened up and developed our area is still in our our blood and we acknowledge the tremendous contribution our women have made to the quality of life for everyone, it continues today in our shed.Fred de Grussa Secretary

Fred de Grussa will be talking at the conference on “What’s different about our shed”. Here Fred gives us a brief insight into how women have become an integral part of the Esperence Men’s Shed.

For some this issue is black and white - to others it’s something in between.

Women in Men’s Sheds:The Esperence Perspective

Are your Sheds, details up to date?

So that we can let others know where to find you and how to get

in touch we need to ensure that we have your current information in the WAMSA data base. If any details have changed please let us know via an Information Update form, which can be downloaded from our website

www.wamsa.org.au

Register your shed and join WAMSAThere’s still time to register your shed and take advantage of the discounted fees to attend the conference. Visit our website to download an application form:www.wamsa.org.au/membership.html

WAMSA AGM notices sent outYou should have already received an email outlining the proposed proceedings for the AGM which will be held at 2:30pm on 4th of October as part of the conference. It contained all the forms required for proxy voting etc. If you did not receive the email please contact Gary Bryant on 0414 950 902 or via email: [email protected]

If you live to be one hundred, you’ve got it made. Very few people die past that age. George Burns


Thanks to our Conference sponsors:

Share photos, stories and examples from your shed at the Conference

The 2012 conference will feature Australian and Western Australian speakers who will be sharing their knowledge and experiences from different kinds of Men’s Sheds across Western Australia. Over the two days delegates will attend a variety of talks, panel discussions, workshops and social events all designed to help them overcome some of the challenges and build on the strengths of their Men’s Sheds.

The WA Men’s Shed Association Patron, the Governor of Western Australia, His Excellency Malcolm McCusker, AC CVO QC will be opening proceedings for what promises to be a productive Men’s Shed

Wednesday 3rd OctoberOfficial Opening by the Governor of Western Australia, His Excellency Malcolm McCusker, AC CVO QC‘Men’s Sheds and Wellbeing’ - Keynote address delivered by Julian Krieg, Regional Men’s Health ‘Establishing and Sustaining a Shed’ - Panel session‘Show me the Money!’ Panel presentation on where to apply for funding for your Shed‘Writing funding applications’ Workshop‘Little Tackers in Sheds’ - Engaging schools in Men’s Shed’s activities‘The Role of Men’s Sheds in Adult Learning’ - Professor Barry Golding, University of Ballarat

Thursday 4th October‘The Contribution of Sheds to the Community’- Professor Barry Golding, University of Ballarat‘Mens Health’ Associate Professor Dr Alan Wright, University of Notre Dame Australia‘Sheila’s in Sheds’ - The role of women in Sheds‘Think Safe, Be Safe’ Safety Awareness & Duty of Care‘Covering the Bottom Line’ - Insurance issues‘Leading the Way’ - Men’s Sheds mentoring role for young men in the community‘Diversify the Demographic’ - Engaging younger men (30-55 years) in Sheds‘What’s Different about Our Shed!’

Conference with a positive and engaging program. The main areas the conference will focus on are; how Men’s Sheds have a positive impact on men’s health, how to set up a men’s shed, getting younger people involved, insurance and safety issues and how to secure funding.

If you haven’t registered to attend already do it now so you can join us for an informative and enjoyable couple of days.

Below is a brief overview of the two day’s proceedings. Some of these sessions are concurrent so delegates will have a choice. For a full, detailed program, including speakers, please visit www.wamsa.org.au.

The Governor of Western Australia, His Excellency Malcolm McCusker, AC CVO QC


Metropolitan sheds can receive up to $150 assistance per delegate to attend

Mosman Park Rotary helps to get Men’s Shed off the ground!This year’s Conference is being held at the Mosman Park Community Men’s Shed. The brand new, tilt-slab construction building is the state’s largest, purpose-built, men’s shed. It has been designed to accommodate areas for woodworking, metalworking, a plant nursery, computer training, offices, a recreation area and a kitchen suitable for cooking classes. It started in April 2009 when the Mosman Park Rotary Club, which was so impressed by a presentation from the Fremantle Men’s Shed, decided a Men’s Shed in the area could be of great benefit to the community. A public meeting was held and enough interest was shown so a Steering Committee was formed. There wasn’t an existing building suitable for use so it became clear that a purpose-built building would be required.From the ground upThe Mosman Park Council kindly offered a piece of land on the east side of Tom Perrot Reserve and the Steering Committee set out to design a Men’s Shed that could be utilised not just by men but by the entire community. They reviewed other sheds, met with prospective builders and carefully prepared a plan.

Flat pack men’s shed. The wall panels were poured on top of the slab with pre-cut doors and windows. Add one large crane and up she goes.

Stir

ling

Hig

hway

McCabe

Street

Wellington Street

Tom Perrot Reserve

There’s lots of parking along the access road to the Shed as well as the main carpark. Plenary sessions will be held at the Football Club building and the large exhibitions will be on the oval between the two buildings.

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Tom Perrot

ReserveFootball Club

Parking

Men’s Shed

McCabe Street

WA Men’s Shed Conference Location

Once building plans were finalised the Steering Committee submitted a request to Lotterywest for funding who saw the merits of the proposal and provided the funding for the building. The four Councils involved agreed to fund a full-time Shed Manager for the first two years to enable the Shed reach its full potential. Although the builders only commenced pouring the foundations in March this year the entire project is almost finished. That’s partly due to the type of construction but also thanks to the efforts of many of the shed’s members volunteering for painting, clearing and packing busy bees.Everything is on track to be ready for the conference opening. We’re sure that with the volunteers from the Mosman Park and Fremantle sheds providing a warm welcome - the conference will be a great beginning for a great men’s shed!


A keen interest in mechanics keeps Les young (even at 94!)

Tell us your story...We’d love to hear about you or some of the interesting characters in your shed.. [email protected]

What is your shed working on? Send some pics and a few words for the next Warbler...

Les McCallum was born on 25th August 1918 at Moonta, South Australia. Les grew up working on the family farm and also went sheep shearing. During the war years petrol rationing meant travel was difficult. So Les and his brother Colin went to Adelaide and bought a second-hand sedan car, a Victory 6. They drove it back from Adelaide and fitted a gas producer on the back which burned charcoal to produce gas to run the motor. They were very popular then and would often take a load of friends to dances or to sports. Les remembers bringing 10 people home in the Victory 6 from a dance at Kielpa.

Les and Dorothy were married in August 1942. During the war Les gained his Certificate in Aluminium Welding and worked at Parafield airport (Adelaide) as a welder mostly repairing aircraft fuel tanks. In 1943 Les brought his wife and first born son home from hospital in a motorbike side-car. Dorothy remembers it being a bit too breezy for her and the baby.

In 1944 Len decided to return to farming and shearing. He bought land near Arno Bay on Eyre Peninsular and working with a builder erected a house. When only part of the floor was completed - putting in a crop took precedence - so they used wooden planks to walk to either the bathroom or the bedroom.

Les and Dorothy helped form the Arno Bay lawn bowls club in 1966. They both became umpires and bowls played a major part in their lives over the years; both winning many trophies in the sport. They moved to Western Australia in 1978 where Les worked as a farm machinery salesman, spare parts man and then machinery mechanic in Ravensthorpe. After 5 years there, Les and Dorothy retired and moved to Middle Swan, Perth. Les set up several caravans and campers and over the next twenty years travelled around Australia many times catching up with friends and family.

Les has always had a keen interest in machinery and the Midland Men’s Shed has been a great place for him to share his interest with like-minded men. The camaraderie and support from the men at the shed have provided a highlight to his week and they recently helped him celebrate his 94th birthday with cake and many good wishes.

FOR SALE International AW7 (D) TractorI have an emotional connection to this tractor - I drove it as a 16-year old! Alas too many projects... So it needs a new home. It’s complete and in running order, with considerable cleaning and restoration work carried out.Fitted with 3 P.L. New Front tyres/ Sound rears

NEW PARTS FITTEDPre- primer pumpAMP GaugeGenerator BeltFull set of Radiator Hoses

Extra Parts Included:Grill, Bonnet, Power Steering Unit, Head gasket kit (new), Headlights (lots), Badges (full set), Draw Bar, Starter Motor, Seat, Books/ ManualsPrice: POAContact: John McDougallPhone: 9883 6143

WANTEDKubota Diesel EngineModel: ZB 600C-1 14 H.P.Water cooled horizontal twin cylinderRunning or suitable for partsMust have a serviceable headContact: John McDougallPh: 9883 6143

For Sale /Wanted

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