Visiting the shed is an important part of the week for many men. Whilst COVID-19 has forced the closure of thousands of sheds across 12 countries, staying in touch and connected is more important than ever.

We invite the Men’s Shed community to join in conversation at The AMSA Shed Online.

The goal of The AMSA Shed Online is to help people connect in the same way they do at the shed – over a cuppa and a laugh.

“The shed’s themselves may be temporarily closed as part of the response to COVID-19 but the mission of helping people stay connected does not change,” said AMSA Patron His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) in a message to Men’s Shed members.

The AMSA Shed Online is a simple online space for men to stay connected at a time when community connection is increasingly difficult, but still vitally important to our health and wellbeing.

We hope to create a global social community where men can talk and share their experiences – a global information exchange. And whilst the AMSA Shed Online has been built with the Men’s Shed community in mind, we’re inviting anyone with an interest to join the conversation.

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Tools to help you Stay Connected with shed mates

During physical isolation, staying socially connected is more important than ever… But the Shed is closed! So now what?

Men’s Sheds across Australia have closed and now is the time to be extremely diligent in ensuring that our shedders remain connected and that we look after each other. Click [HERE] to view some of the ways Shedders can do this i.e. the Tools to use.

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Future Shed Operations

The Shed has a duty of care to its members, and as a consequence of the Coronavirus threat, the committee met on Tuesday morning and decided to close the Shed to members. Because our members are in the most vulnerable age group, this closure will stay in place until the health authorities indicate that the threat has passed.

This decision is in line with AMSA and VMSA recommendations to close Sheds at this time.

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Shed Torque

1. Bill Griffith R.I.P. — Bill was the Shed’s oldest member at 96 years and passed away last week. He was a long time Men’s Shed member and supported us for eight years. Though not an active member he attended a number of our monthly social BBQ functions and annual Christmas Luncheons. He was generous with his donations. Condolences go to his family.
2. Ian Howley — Ian is currently having an operation in Albury. The Shed wishes him a speedy recovery. Ian, you have a Shed Extension to build!
3. Gentile Steel Fabrications of Coral Bank have won the tender to build the Shed Extension. We are anticipating that building will start prior to winter.
4. West Peak Hotel Raffle — This was to be held this Friday evening but has now been cancelled.
5. For Sale — Kenyan Top Bar Bee Hives and Miniature Miner’s Wheelbarrow Planter Box. If you know of anybody who might be interested in these items please get them to call mobile: 0400 056 247.

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Coronavirus

The Council on the Ageing – Victoria (COTA) have produced an excellent up-to-date ‘Fact Sheet‘ on all things to do with the Coronavirus. A must-read for all of us in the ‘vulnerable age group‘. Click [HERE] to read.

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Victorian Men’s Shed Association (VMSA)

Click [HERE] to read the March 2020 Newsletter.

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March Monthly BBQ Cancelled

The committee met Monday morning for the usual monthly meeting and decided that because of the threat of the Coronavirus that this Fridays BBQ would be cancelled. As you know it can get pretty cosy in the recreation room at that time.

For some excellent information from the AMSA on all things to do with the Coronavirus (i.e. what it is, who is at most risk, symptoms, how it is spread, prevention, diagnosis, treatment & how to isolate yourself) click [HERE].

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The shed will be operating as normal on Tuesday and Wednesday at this stage. However, members should follow the guidelines provided by health authorities, and definitely NOT attend the Shed if you have any symptoms or doubts about your own health.

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Football/Netball Gate Collection & Raffle update

The committee also decided that because of the close proximity that members are to the public and the age of our members (the most vulnerable group) would NOT man the GATE for any matches this season until the threat of the Coronavirus is over. Thank you to those members who have volunteered but your services are not needed at this time. It is likely that the Tallangatta Football League will cancel the first four matches in any case.

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Toward. Renewable. Energy. Kiewa
For an explaination click [HERE]

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Victorian Men’s Shed Association (VMSA) Newsletter

The February Newsletter is now available to read. Please note that on pages 17-18 our Shed gets some good exposure. Click [HERE].

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Advanced Notice – West Peak Hotel Fundraiser

On Friday 27th March come along and support this Shed fundraising initiative. Dinner from 5:30 pm and 20 raffle draws at 7:00 pm. Funds towards the Shed Extension. Shed sells the tickets (we have sellers identified). All you need to do is enjoy the meal and the social occasion. Please bring your partner or friend.

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Over the last couple of weeks, the men have been busy working on a number of community, client and Shed development projects.

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Shed Torque

1. Shed Extension Builder Tender — These have closed and the committee executive has met to assess. An announcement will be made shortly.
2. Football/Netball Game date correction — Round 3 Home Game is on 18th April NOT the 4th as previously advertised.
   Please contact Mark Hardidge if you can help on any of the nine home games. He would love to hear from you rather than having him call you. Contact: Mob: 0407 549 651, Home: 03 5754 1619 or Email: <maurk01@bigpond.com>.
3. Next BBQ & General Meeting is on Friday 20th March from 11:30 am for a sit-down BBQ at 12 noon. Guest speaker will be Allan Marsland of the Kangaroo Hoppet organisation. Allan will speak about the development of this international cross country ski race conducted annually at Falls Creek which is in its 30th year. His presentation will use multimedia including slides and a short video.
4. Mini Miners Wheelbarrows for sale — Only $40.00 but you must place an order by contacting mobile: 0400 056 247. Tell your friends about them.

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Would anyone willing to help with this football seasons “Football/Netball Gate” for their home games please let Mark Hardidge know your availability on:

• Mob: 0407 549 651
• Home: 03 5754 1619
• Email: <maurk01@bigpond.com>

This is a Shed major fundraising activity for the year as well as a great social gathering with the usual Shed banter. There a nine home games — the first four at Mount Beauty and five at Dederang.

Home game dates are as follows:

• Round 1 – 28/03 vs Yackandandah @ Mt Beauty
• Round 3 – 18/04 vs Wodonga Saints @ Mt Beauty
• Round 5 – 02/05 vs Beechworth @ Mt Beauty
• Round 6 – 09/05 vs Chiltern @ Mt Beauty
• Round 8 – 23/05 vs TallangaUa @ Dederang
• Round 11 – 20/06 vs Mitta United @ Dederang
• Round 13 – 04/07 vs Rutherglen @ Dederang
• Round 15 – 25/07 vs Wahgunyah @ Dederang
• Round 18 – 15/08 vs Barnawartha @ Dederang

Volunteer shifts during the day

There are three shift options available as follows:

• All Day — 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
• AM — 7:00 am to 11:00 am
• PM — 11:00 am to 3:30 pm

We need as many volunteers as possible in order to raise money for our Shed especially the new Extension. Our work assists the local Football/Netball Club – the Dederang/Mt Beauty Bombers. A lot of volunteers will also mean less work for all so please put up your hand to help.

Please let Mark Hardidge know your availability ASAP as the first game is coming up on the 28th March 2020..

Community Projects

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Shed Torque

• For Sale — The Shed has a 15″ workable small Scroll for sale for $50.00. Contact mobile: 0400 056 247 if interested.
• Donation of Tools to Bushfire Appeal — Ian Howley arranged for a quantity of no longer needed Shed tools to be donated to the Bushfire Appeal. He transported them to the collection point in Wodonga and they then ended up at the Tallangatta Distribution Centre. Thanks, Ian.
• Local Weather — Did you know that since 2011 Mt Beauty have had their own Weather Station. It is situated on the roof of Alpine Radio 96.5 FM.
  Click this link to view: <https://www.alpineradio.com.au/weather.html>
  Data is updated every 10 minutes.
• Mt Beauty & District Chamber of Commerce — A new executive and committee have been formed after a few years in recess. The Shed will be supporting the Chamber by becoming an associated member.

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Woodwork 101

Expression of Interest

Local Don Terry who is a Manager & Team Leader at Wodonga TAFE (Building & Cabinet/Furniture Making) has kindly offered to conduct evening woodwork sessions (called Woodwork 101) at the Shed. The program would introduce members to woodworking skills, machinery and tool use. Initially, all members would construct the same project then branch onto a project of their own choice. It is anticipated the program would be conducted in April & May 2020 for 8 x 2-hour sessions per week. There is no cost to members.

NOTE — If you are interested in this program, please contact Paul L’Huillier: email <paullhuillier@bigpond.com> or mobile: 0400 056 247 ASAP by Friday 21st February 2020 to express your interest – “first in best dressed”.

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