September 2012
The official newsletter of the Western Australian Men’s Shed Association
From the WAMSA Chair
WAMSA Chairman: John D McDougall
Great News! Sheds
will get $300 to
attend WA Men’s
Shed Conference
Lotterywest 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.
...continues Page 3
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.
We’ll be ready... just in time!
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.
More on the Conference on page 4
What’s in this issue:
Pollies hammer on common ground... p2
Women in sheds - a view from Esperencep3
2012 Men’s Shed Conference details
p4
Register your shed now to be eligible to vote at the WAMSA AGM
WARBLER #13 The official newsletter of the Western Australian Men’s Shed Association www.wamsa.org.au1
Have a Go Day at Burswood
The official newsletter of the Western
Australian Men’s Shed Association
From the Editor
This 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.
The 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
Hammering home a point
Thanks,
Murray Gracie
Advertising
The 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.
Submissions
Please 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]
Disclaimer
This 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.
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...
Events and dates to remember
September
Renewed your shed membership?
Still time to get displays ready for the conference.
3 & 4 October - WAMSA Conference
2012 WAMSA Conference - Mosman Park
visit 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
Be a part of the WA Mens Shed Conference October 3 and 4
WARBLER #13 The official newsletter of the Western Australian Men’s Shed Association www.wamsa.org.au2
Women
in Men’s
Sheds:
The Esperence Perspective
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.
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.
From the WAMSA Chair
WAMSA Chairman: John D McDougall
Continued from page 1...
Register your shed and join WAMSA
There’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 out
You 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]
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.
,
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
Fred de Grussa Secretary
If you live to be one hundred, you’ve got it made. Very few people die past that age.
George Burns
WARBLER #13 The official newsletter of the Western Australian Men’s Shed Association www.wamsa.org.au3
The Governor of
Western Australia,
His Excellency Malcolm
McCusker, AC CVO QC
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.
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.
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
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.
If you haven’t registered to attend already
do it now so you can join us for an
informative and enjoyable couple of days.
Wednesday 3rd October
Thursday 4th October
Official 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
‘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!’
Thanks to our Conference sponsors:
Share photos, stories and examples from your shed at the Conference
WARBLER #13 The official newsletter of the Western Australian Men’s Shed Association www.wamsa.org.au4
Mosman Park Rotary
helps to get Men’s
Shed off the ground!
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 up
The 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.
WA Men’s Shed Conference Location
�
Wellington Street
Stirling High
way
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, purposebuilt, 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.
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Ca
Mc
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.
et
tre
S
e
Tom Perrot
Reserve
Mc
Cab
e
Parking
Football
Club
S
tree
Tom
Perrot
Reserve
t
Men’s
Shed
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.
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.
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!
Metropolitan sheds can receive up to $150 assistance per delegate to attend
WARBLER #13 The official newsletter of the Western Australian Men’s Shed Association www.wamsa.org.au5
For Sale /Wanted
A keen interest in
mechanics keeps
Les young
(even at 94!)
FOR SALE
International AW7 (D) Tractor
I 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 FITTED
Pre- primer pump
AMP Gauge
Generator Belt
Full 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/ Manuals
Price: POA
Contact: John McDougall
Phone: 9883 6143
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.
Kubota Diesel Engine
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.
Tell us your story...
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.
WANTED
Model: ZB 600C-1 14 H.P.
Water cooled horizontal twin cylinder
Running or suitable for parts
Must have a serviceable head
Contact: John McDougall
Ph: 9883 6143
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...
WARBLER #13 The official newsletter of the Western Australian Men’s Shed Association www.wamsa.org.au6