The Victorian Men’s Shed Association AGM was held at the Keysmen (Keysborough) Men’s Shed on Friday 16th October 2009.  Approximately 80 people turned out for the occasion to enjoy the day.  Guest speakers included Tim Holding (Victorian Government Cabinet Minister), Bernie Geary (Victorian Commissioner for Children) and Mort Shearer (AMSA president).

Tim Holding spoke of his emotions that followed his recent rescue from Mt Feathertop.  Tim said Men’s Sheds are not just about woodwork; they are about relationships with each other.  Women are good at supporting each other; men manage their emotions in other ways.  Tim said he would rather be at Mt Fearthertop and deal with issues and difficulties than be asked “How I feel.”  He felt uncomfortable with the media asking him about his feelings.  He said that it is difficult to go places we haven’t been before and it is not a bad thing to think about what is important to us.  The Mt Feathertop experience enabled him to step back and think about what was important to him and what he was missing... “my family and being surrounded by people I care about” is most important.  Tim encouraged the members to work on relationships with others and said that Men’s Sheds are about people coming together and building relationships that are meaningful.

He congratulated the VMSA and its members for engaging with each other and improving the lives of all men.  He said “I appreciate the work you are doing.”  Tim agreed to take questions and spoke about his role as Minister for Water.  He stayed for lunch and continued to informally mix with members.

Bernie Geary spoke about how important the role of a man is in the family.  He said that men have a lot to contribute to children and children need an adult they can trust.  Bernie said there was a great capacity for men in sheds to become mentors for children so their lives can take a positive turn.  It is important for children to have a happy and safe connection with a happy male.

Bernie congratulated Victorian members on the development of the Men’s Shed movement.  He advised members to not discriminate on issues around culture, status ...and don’t complicate.  “You are doing it well for each other and the community. Best wishes to you all.”   Mort Shearer was invited to speak to give a rundown on the activi ties of the Australian Men’s Shed Association.  AMSA has applied to the Federal Government for funding for positions to support the AMSA office as well as positions to support Men’s Sheds in each state.  Funding has been made available in Victoria, NSW and WA but AMSA is continuing to knock on doors.  Feedback from the conference is that there is not enough “communication”.  The new website is up but it is early days.   AMSA hopes to have the newsletter on the site, as well as sheds profile and activities and information resources such as OH&S.  The website would be a “total, national exchange of information.”  Mort said there is a need for recurrent funding as well as project funding.  Men’s Sheds are taking the load from social services and agencies and this argument needs to be put forward to the Government.

Some of the other items that may interest Shedders from around the country:

• Gary Rogers said that ourcommunity.com has a list of all grants available. (Government and Philanthropic). For a $45.00 annual subscription you can have access to this information.
• Broadband for Seniors - Federal Government is offering a grant for 2 new computers and internet access ..Contact Denis Minogue for details on 9798 7005
• Scroungers Award - The VMSA 2nd Annual Scroungers Award winner is Bushy from Carrum Downs.
• Ken from Wodonga Shed spoke of his disappointment at the Geelong VMSA meeting when he found out from MP Lisa Neville that Wodonga had missed out on funding.  He was dreading going back to Wodonga to tell 57 blokes the news. He added that although he was extremely disappointed, many of the blokes at that meeting chatted to him and encouraged him to keep trying and this gave him a much needed boost.  He went back and they managed to get a Council grant of $8,500 and fundraised with raffles and applied to DVA.  They now have a house and a block of land at the back to put a shed on.  Ken thanked everyone for their support and encouraged members to keep coming to the VMSA meetings because it helped him to get through a difficult time.  Ken finished by saying: “We need a cluster group in our area.  You are an inspiration... this is the forum for it!”

Then it was down to the AGM business.  The Annual Report by outgoing president Iain Beggs (Ballarat Men’s Shed) was tabled and an enviable Treasurer’s Report by Denis Minogue (Keysborough Men’s Shed).  Denis’s report was that, once again, VMSA had spent no money over the last 12 months and had a balance of around $1400.  With a treasurer like this the VMSA should not get into any financial difficulties!

The election of office bearers followed.  There were no contested positions so the positions were filled by: Gary Green (Orbost) President, Ron Mitchell (Colac) Vice President, Jeremy Hearne (Whittlesea) Secretary, Denis Minogue (Keysborough) Treasurer, Lyn Kinder (Brimbank) Ordinary Member, Iain Beggs (Ballarat) Public Officer, Paul Sladdin (Mansfield) Ordinary Member, Peter Harris (Glen Park) Ordinary Member, David Gutherie (Hills MS) Ordinary Member.

After the vote, Gary Green spoke and congratulated and thanked Iain Beggs for his endeavours as the first President of the VMSA and endorsed Denis Minogue as the most honest and trustworthy Treasurer.  He also thanked the previous committee for their hard work and welcomed new executive members, Dave, Peter and Paul.  Gary reminded members that the executive committee role is voluntary and, because of other workloads it may seem that we fumble along but eventually we do get things done.  The committee wants to truly represent Men’s Sheds and its members in Victoria so let us know your needs and wants.

Following the AGM an excellent BBQ lunch was enjoyed by all and then the new VMSA Committee met.  Some of the issues at this meeting were:

• The committee will develop Position Descriptions to guide committee members.
• A membership kit/booklet is being developed for member sheds.
• Membership Certificates are being developed for member sheds.
• A submission is almost ready to go to the Victorian Government to fund a position within VMSA for a State Men’s Shed Support Worker position.

The committee looks forward to the challenges that the year ahead brings and thanks all the Victorian Men’s Sheds for their continued support.  Thanks also go to AMSA for their continued support.

Gary Green,
VMSA President