MYRTLEFORD MEN’S SHED

July 2009 to 2018

This is an account of the first ten years of the Myrtleford Men’s Shed (MMS) operations written by Fred Neal (current President). This has been written at the request of current members, so they may be enlightened as to what took place in the formation and the workings that transpired in its earlier years of operation.  Since its operation there have been 103 members during the first 10 years.  Membership as of 30th June 2018 is 42 active members.

The concept of a Myrtleford Men’s Shed (MMS) was first established when Fred Neal, read an article in the R M Williams Outback magazine about a Men’s Shed in the town of Donald.   This report was fantastic.  The town of Donald was full of praise for the benefit it was achieving for the men of the town.    Fred initially spoke with Kevin Dinneen about having a Men’s shed for Myrtleford.   They contacted local Councillor, Jan Vonarx of the Alpine Shire and proposed the concept of Men’s Shed.     Jan then contacted Maureen Ryland from Alpine Health and the concept of a MMS started to move forward.  It was decided to hold a public meeting to see if there was enough interest in the town to warrant a Men’s Shed facility. The decision was to proceed.  

We met another four times to formulate plans for what was needed in the future.  It was at this time Men’s Sheds were starting to grow with popularity and spread throughout Australia.  For this reason, we were fortunate to be able to draw upon other’s wisdom and guidelines which we could follow.

A general community meeting was held early 2008 and steering committee was formed.   Those elected to the initial committee were Barry Love (President), Les Vonarx, Clive Walker, Fred Neal, Peter Veldman, Chris Walkear (Secretary, Treasurer), & Neville Brighton.  The inaugural meeting of the Men’s Shed committee was 16th September 2008.

Investigations into finding a suitable place for the MMS to occupy took some time until Alpine Health offered us the use of a shed at the rear of the Myrtleford hospital (which they were using as a storage room). The agreement between MMS and Alpine Health was to clean out and auction all the contents currently inside the existing storeroom and then the space could be occupied for Men’s Shed use.  There was no water or toilet amenities, however we were able to use the amenities in the Doug Lloyd building located next door.  On the 6th October 2009 the MMS was officially open and operating.  A lease had been drawn up between the MMS and the Alpine Health as well as any necessary insurance policies thanks to Alpine Health.

Recognition must be given to Alpine Health’s CEO Lyndon Seys, Maureen Ryland, Trevor Marshall and Lucien Dean Johns who were all very helpful throughout our early days.  They helped and advised the Committee regarding legal documents, leases agreements, and Men’s Shed rules and regulations.

With no money to run the MMS shed, members of the Committee started looking for funding and Government grants.  Many application forms were filled out, but with limited success.  However, our luck changed when Clive Walker started filling out our grant application forms. 

The MMS started off with very little equipment to do anything, however with donations and people offering us some of their unwanted tools and equipment MMS started to progress.   The Committee decided to purchase a 40 foot shipping container to store some of our timber supplies.  We sought Shire approval and Community Grant to buy and to position this shipping container between the shed and the back fence.  In June 2009 the MMS became a recognized registered and incorporated entity; resulting in MMS conducting its first annual general meeting.

At this meeting there was 26 people in attendance.  Barry Love, who was our first MMS President resigned at this meeting; seeing Les Vonarx elected as the new incoming President.   The Committee consisted of:

• Les Vonarx (President)

• Clive Walker (Secretary/Treasurer),

• Fred Neal,

• Brian Watts,

• Norm Murrell,

• Barry Love,

• Noel Rickard ,

• Kevin Dinneen.

 

Rules and regulations had to be formulated to comply with Occupation Health & Safety Regulations with protective equipment being a critical issue to be addressed.  For example, dust masks, ear muffs and other safety equipment had to be purchased and used by members attending the Shed.

By 1st September 2009 MMS had a favourable bank balance of $5000, a computer donated by Bill Sykes and a donation from Bendigo Bank of $800 to purchase a refrigerator.  MMS was also fortunate and grateful for the large quantities of timber and ply board received from our local Myrtleford Mill and Alpine MDF Wangaratta (CEO Graham Church)

One of MMS early challenges was a request from Noel Stone to build a Scottish Castle façade.  This Castle was to be used at the La Fiera festival for his game of human chess actors.

As a major support of Men’s wellbeing, in 2009 a Men’s Health BBQ day was organized with a raffle prize of $1000 fuel prize up for grabs. 

Grant applications went out for the purchasing of work benches, computer printer and new electric stove.  A further grant application was submitted and received which enable MMS to build a new kitchen and meeting room.

Towards the later end of 2009, the Committee decided it would be financially beneficial for MMS to commence building children wooden toys, by way of generating further revenue.  This together with the request from Western Australia for 200 religious crosses with a further 100 religious crosses that were shipped overseas.  Other items built were tables and chairs, trucks, and Santa Claus display cut outs.

In early 2010 it was decided to have a BBQ every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month which has become very successful and enjoyable.

A Bendigo Bank grant enable the MMS to purchase a wood router table and stand, drill bench planer/thicknesser, drill sharpener, vice drill press, as well as insulate walls and ceiling of the building.

In May 2010 the MMS received approval to extend the building.  This extension (the kitchen, Toilet, recreation area) saw a concrete slab laid with the remainder of the work completed by the capable members of the MMS.

Also, in 2010 Government grants were approved to enable members of the MMS to participate in
in-house training classes, including:

• Woodworking,

• Welding,

• Wood turning, and

• Chain-sawing.

The grant also enabled MMS to purchase a new air conditioner for the building.

Later in 2010 saw the Scottish Castle façade used at the La Fiera festival for the game of Chess handed over to the Chamber of Commerce.

New requests for work were starting to come in fast.  Some of these works included:

• Service club sign,

• Hospital shelter,

• Rear of shed expansion,

• Myrtleford Cemetery project, and

• Art display stands.

In October 2010 saw another busy time for MMS applying for one more Alpine Shire grant for OH&S training the members, and the supply of visual aid training equipment.  Further to this MMS, during the same period the MMS:

• Refurbished Hospital garden seats,

• Bought a new bench-saw for the Shed,

• Placed security mesh over the premises’ windows,

• Built forty computer storage boxes for St Mary’s School

• An alter for the Myrtleford Lodge,

• A steel arch for the Old Cemetery, including Chinese characters.

• Numerous fruit boxes,

• Toys for East Timor,

• Shelving for book shop

The MMS continued to receive wood ply from the Myrtleford Mill and MDF from Alpine MDF.      MMS also purchased a new dust extractor.

Towards late 2011 the Bendigo Bank and Alpine Health donated a new Defibrillator which saw many members attend training on how to use the equipment in case of an emergency.

In November 2012 MMS won best indoor display at the Myrtleford Show.  

Some projects that were completed by members of MMS including building of additional storage racks, a welding bay and air conditioner installed.  George McPherson, our certified electrician, undertook ‘test and tag’ of all electrical equipment at the Shed, while at the same time MMS received a grant from DVA to purchase additional / new tools.

Further individual projects completed by members included:

• An outdoor seat to be installed at the Myrtleford Golf Club (on the request from Bill Westacott),

• High tables built for Barwidgee Lodge

• Fruit boxes,

• toys,

• bench seats,

• shelving, and

• Safety equipment board for the Shed.

June 2013 saw further Shed building extensions to provide an additional wood working area thanks to a Victorian Government grant of $18268.

Work was undertaken for Rosewhite Hall creating signs/plaques to acknowledging people in the community and a stairway onto the Mudgegonga Hall stage. 

Due to popular demand MMS was encouraged to build and deliver additional Santa Claus display cut outs for businesses around the township.  At the same time requests had been received to constructive shelving for the local Girl Guides and a notice board.

Members of the MMS were asked to participate in training for fire evacuation and for Men’s Health.

Eighteenth March 2014 saw the official opening of MMS new wood working bay.

Further community projects were received by MMS which included:

• Refurbishment of twelve chairs repair seats,

• Repair shelving for op shop,

• Shelving for child care storage.

• Display box for winners sash’s for Show Society,

• DPI Possum boxes,

• Hospital garden seats refurbishment,

• Additional Santa’s Claus display cut outs.

With this continuing increase in community projects, MMS:

• Acquired new work benches

• Installed new start stop electrical switches on machinery to automatically start the dust extractors, and installed more storage racks

• Metal doors installed on timber storage racks.

• Purchased MMS logo polo t-shirts.

• Built fish tank and stand, and shelving for local Opportunity Shop,

• Organised float for local festival, and

• Was contracted to replace table tops at Savoy Club.

A further great project saw Jeff Bray building a Butcher’s Block which was raffled as a fund raiser; resulting in a further request for another Block being built and also raffled.

The Committee made the decision to start opening the MMS on Saturday mornings.  This decision was well received seeing regular attendance by members.

Further capital purchases were made with the purchase of a new dishwasher, dust extraction unit and various pipes and fittings.

A stock take of current fixtures and fittings and other capital equipment resulting in an estimate value of $75,000.

The MMS continued to see high demand for Santa Claus display cut-outs and a decision was made to engage Brian Elvish to provide a more professional image of “Santa”!

In 2016 saw partnership created between MMS and the local Corrective Services.

MMS acquired slabbed timber from the Beechworth Lucas Mill and stored it for later use.

Received requests from several different community organisations to build:

• Notice boards

• Books shelves

• Honour board

• cutting boards

• Replacement picnic table tops at Phoenix tree.

In May 2016 MMS applied for a permit to build a room specific for dust extractors.

Received requests for the following community members/organisations:

• Additional storage boxes

• Cutting boards and children’s toys

• Two more hanging stands for the local Opportunity Shop

• Refurbishment of table and chairs for Alpine Health

• Order from Yackandandah Hotel to design and build serving boards

• Order for two large toy trucks, snake puzzle, bird and possum boxes, and finska games

• Order to build three bench seats plus nine boxes for microscopes.

• Construction of a rocking horse.

• Chairs built by Clive are in high demand and becoming very popular, with more orders being requested.

• Elephant (built by George)

• Special requests for garden seat and dining table.

• Request to refurbish table and chairs for Alpine Health

The shed successfully received an Government Volunteers grant enabling the purchase of a new Bain Marie, Tag Tester, and further grant from AMSA which was for MMS member’s Health training.

It was decided to have a cluster meeting and have a “Spanner in the Works” program for the Men’s Health program.

MMS acknowledges and is pleased of the work and support Neville Leonard continues to provide through attending local community markets selling MMS products; resulting in revenue for the MMS of approximately $3,000 per year.

Unfortunately in 2016 MMS had to move timber that was currently being stored at McGuffie’s shed but was fortunate to have the generosity of from Terry Toner to use his shed to store the timber and approximately 50 Santa Claus display cut-outs.

MMS continue to provide regular training to its members where members were invited to attend and complete their first aid course and a course on mental health first aid, including community members

In 2017 saw the launch of the new Cluster meetings which consisted of Men’s Sheds throughout the North East of Victoria.

Eddie Hoffman was elected to Occupational Health and Safety Officer.

MMS assisted with the local School Holiday program plus Cubs / scouts night. For this reason, we ensured that all members participating in these programs held Volunteer Working with Children checks.

Sept 2017 saw works being undertaken to install new dust extractor system in the Shed.  Members were invited to attend a timber slabbing demonstration at the show grounds using the Lucas Mill.  This was well received by those who attended.

In 2017 MMS again received a number of building requests.  This saw the construction of:

• More Santa’s Claus display cut outs,  

• Andorak chairs,

• Reindeers,

• Finskas,

• Naughts and crosses boards,

• Snakes and ladders,

• Trucks and cars,

• Installation of benches at Senior Citizens hall,

• Construction of three new tables for our Shed’s dining area

Unwanted Sheds items no longer required were sold at the Paul and Scollard auction under the direction of Eddie Hoffman.

 The Cluster meeting hosted by MMS with approximately 60 members from around the district in attendance to hear updates from the Victorian Mens Shed Assn and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Bruce Reid was guest speaker at a meeting to show case the shed and encourage new members and increase attendance by current members.

Framed pictures hand drawn by Julie Corlis, of recently deceased members were presented to their families.

Unfortunately, in 2018 MMS had to move timber and Santa Clause statues that was currently being stored by Terry Toner into the two new Shipping Containers located on Hospital grounds thanks to Alpine Health.  The Community Service men from Beechworth Correctional Centre assisted MMS to paint the new containers, fence and the dust extractor room.

A ‘spring clean’ was undertaken to clean up both the inside and outside of the MMS premises; resulting in machinery being repositioned to make the shed more user friendly, accessible, safer and enjoyable for members.

The local shop “Inside Outback” located in town has taken on some of our products for sale with a small commission.

Equipment was purchased from Leigh Kennedy, including a large bench saw, templates for building many and varied items.

Great work has recently been completed by both Kevin Dineen and Kevin Wood – pedestal stands for Dederang Catholic Church.

This ends the first 10 years of the MMS.

Attached is a list of men who are or have been members of the MMS over the last 10 years.

 

Fred Neal

President

July 2018.

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