2322 Mens Shed Handover

John Bell was keen to have a Men's Shed in the  Beresfield, Tarro and the broader 2322 area.

He was auspiced by The Benevolent Society to establish a steering committee, progress though fundraising and locating premises.  The 2322 Men's Shed is now an incorporated not for profit with its own augural committee, money in the bank and premises at the Old Tennis Courts in Allendale St, Beresfield.

The Beneveolent Society marked this milestone in the progress of the 2322 Mens Shed by holding a formal handover of the ownership and shed documetnation to the new commitee.

This event was held at the Beresfield Family Centre and attended by the 2322 Mens Shed committee, The Benevolent Society and the Central Coast Mens Shed Cluster Inc.

Congratulations to John Bell for all his hard work and to the new committee as they start on their new challenges.

Wyong Mens Shed Public Meeting

Attention!! all men into shed’s

WYONG NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

MEN’S SHED MEETING

We are very excited that we have received State Govt funding with assistance from our local member David Harris to build a new Shed in the Old School Complex of Wyong

Come along, bring your ideas and your enthusiasm and let’s create a great space for men in Wyong Town Centre.

Thursday 10^th February 2011

Two info sessions in Room 5
at
2pm and 6pm

The old school, cnr Alison rd and ranken court, wyong

Contact Colette on 4353 1750

email colette@wyongneighbourhoodcentre.org.au

Grant Funds for Wyong Mens Shed

I am very pleased to announce that we have received money from the State Govt via David Harris to build a new Men’s Shed in the old School Grounds at Wyong. This is a much needed facility and we are very excited about the possibilities especially as we have a community garden planned for this space also in the New Year, and few other exciting projects in the pipeline.

I have attached a flier. Please feel free to attend either of the meetings and also pass the info along to any community members who may be interested in becoming involved. It very much needs to be a project that is driven and run by the men of the area.
Cheers
Colette 

Colette Baron
Senior Program Development
Wyong Neighbourhood Centre

Thursday 10^th February 2011

Two info sessions in Room 5 at 2pm and 6pm

The old school, cnr Alison rd and ranken court, wyong

Bateau Bay Family Fun Day

The Cynthia Street Neighbourhood Centre organised a Family Fun Day in the local park area at Bateau Bay.

They asked that the Mobile Mens Shed attend  the event. The organising committee sourced funding for community engagement projects to be assembled on the day. There were over 60 tissue boxes built on the day and the new maket marquee earnt its purchase price by keeping the sun off the workers, kids and parents during a vey hot daytime event. 

A very successful outing for the trailer. Many thanks to Rob Eschbank of The Entrance Men's Shed for towing the trailer to and from the event and providing much needed relief for a lunch break.

Disability Expo

Central Coast Disability Network hosted the Disability Expo at Mingara Recreation Club. This is an event for the International Day of People with Disability. 

The Mobile Men’s Shed arrived early and set up outside with the new canopy and outdoor furniture to protect the hardworking committee members meeting and greeting service providers, people with disabilities, carers and politicians. 

The main reason for attending the Disability Expo was to provide information about the Men’s Shed Access program to the Disability Community. 

Despite the hot conditions outside there was considerable interest in the programme and in access to Men’s Sheds across the Central Coast.

NSW Volunteer awards

The Chairperson , Stephan Kerkyarsharian AM, and the Commissioners of the Community Relations Commission for a multicultural NSW invited 120 volunteers to the NSW Parliament House in Macquarie Street. They were invited to attend an event hosted by the Hon John Hatzistergos MLC Attorney General, Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Leader of the Governement in the Legislative Council and Vice President of the Executive Council.

These 120 volunteers were nominees for the 2010 Community Relations Commission Awards for Volunteering.  The ceremony was attended by the Premier, Kristina Kennelly and nine of her ministers. Four categories were awarded including the Volunteer of the Year. More informationon the event can be found here.

Kim Hopkins attended the awards as a nominee for volunteer work in support of Men’s Sheds on the Central Coast.

December Cluster Meeting at Alison Homestead a Great Success

Historic Alison Homestead at Wyong is the newest Shed to join the Cluster and it was appropriate that Sheds should celebrate the occasion with a BBQ at the December Cluster meeting.

While the weather wasn’t on our side, for the 60 or more men who turned up(some with their partners) it was a great chance to have a chat and meet with like-minded Shedders.  Of the 13 Sheds associated with our Cluster 9 were represented, most with a group of men, and given one of our Sheds is in Labrador, Queensland we can’t be too upset if they don’t turn up for a BBQ and a couple of drinks!

Alison Homestead has a very well established machinery and tool museum shed and it was appropriate the meeting was held with men leaning or sitting on vintage machinery.  It certainly provided a different backdrop to the usual Cluster business meeting held in a Community Centre Board Room. Roman Paull, the coordinator of the Alison Homestead Shed spoke of the developments that he saw coming from this new venture. He was excited with the obvious cooperation between Sheds in visiting his site and the possibility for joint projects to be undertaken, especially for men with an interest in refurbishing old machinery.

Eaves dropping on discussions between groups it was pleasing to hear them talking enthusiastically about the different style this Shed offered the Cluster.  It is not a Shed with the usual wood/metal approach one expects to see but one, which will offer landscaping, gardening and the opportunity to work with antique farm implements and old machines.

It seems the Cluster has begun to facilitate another need for men so we will be arranging more social events in 2011.  Now that we have 13 Sheds in the Cluster it looks like we will need to find larger venues to hold our social events.

National Men's Health Gathering 2011

Men's Health Gathering to be held in Perth WA from September 19-22, 2011

The Men's Health Gathering 2011 provides a chance for delegates to participate in strengthening the advancement of male health in the Australasian region and beyond through effective strategic planning and knowledge management. The Gathering will incorporate the 6th National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Male Health Convention, the 5th National Men and Family Relationships Forum and the 9th National Men’s Health Conference. Mark your diaries now to attend the 2011 Gathering in Western Australia.

Men's Shed Gathering Central Coast

Greetings Shedders

The last Cluster meeting for the year is scheduled for Wednesday 1rd December, BUT the venue has been changed and all Shedders are invited to this special event.

Historic Alison Homestead at Wyong is one of the latest Sheds to join the Cluster and they have invited us to a joint gathering and BBQ at the homestead. This may be for many your first visit to Alison Homestead and we plan to have a very short Cluster meeting and then sit back and relax with a burnt sausage or two a couple of cold drinks and a chance to have a look at their extensive collection of old tools and machinery.

We hope David Harris, the Local Member for Wyong will join us and a strong turn out of men will only reinforce his  already good understanding of the role Sheds play in our community.

 Bunnings have indicated they will also be attending and some of the “district pioneers” will be in attendance as well.

Roman Paull,  the Alison Homestead Shed coordinator has arranged for a group of pre employment workers to show their skills as they work on reconstructing one of Wyong Shires original slab huts. 

He is very interested in discussing his ideas for developing a Shed and said he would welcome your input.

Alison Homestead was build in 1875 and is set on 2 hectares of landscaped lawns and gardens and has excellent BBQ facilities. 

The homestead is at 51 Cape Road West Wyong.  Coming from Wyong, head along Alison Road, past Wyong High School and the TAFE, past Wyong Christian Community School and just before the F3 and opposite the Old Milk/Butter Factory (the Central Coast Wood Turners Workshop) is a sign to the Homestead which is only a hop-step & jump along Cape Road.

To assist with catering please let Kim Hopkins (mobile 0413 244 484 or email  ccshedcluster@gmail.com) know how many men from your Shed will be coming. The more the better.  This will be a great opportunity to meet up with other Shedders and see a part of our community history few of us have seen.

We plan to start the short Cluster meeting around 12 and then quickly move into relaxing mode but if you would like to turn up earlier and volunteer some of your time to our newest Shed then you would be most welcome.

See you there.

John Sharples
President

Central Coast Shed Cluster Inc

1 Bay Village Road
BATEAU BAY NSW 2261

Tel: 0423 147 326

ccshedcluster@gmail.com

 www.centralcoastsheds.com

NSW Men's Shed Association State Gathering

The Central Coast Men's Sheds were stongly represented at the NSW Men's Shed State Gathering. Amid over 100 delegates from around the state this is good affirmation of the commitment of shedders to have a strong State based chaper for Men's Sheds.

This very successful gathering was held at the State Sports and Recreation Facility at Myuna Bay, on the shores of beautiful Lake Macquarie

The very full programme for the Saturday gave those gathered a chance to hear about

• current research on Mens Sheds from Barry Golding
• currrent AMSA news from David Helmers
• NSW Mens Shed Asscociation organisation
• funding opportunites
• insurance and risk management
• discussion of the role of clusters or regions
• arrangements for an Annual General Meeting
• affirmation of the steering committee membership

Panel discussion was vibrant with strong participation from the audience. The gathering resolved to affirm the nominated representatives of the Steering Committee and encouraged them to hold an AGM and election of officers at the earliest opportunity.

There was also plenty of time for networking between delegates, viewing the exhibits of sponors and the information provided about the many different sheds in NSW and the progress they are making in support of Men's Health.

Help to Prevent Suicide

Central Coast Express Advocate
26 Nov 2010 p14

White Ribbon Breakfast

Four members of the Central Coast Shed Cluster Committee attended the White Ribbon Breakfast at Kooinda Waters, supporting this inaugural event for the Mens Interagency, Central Coast.

A big THANKS to everyone who supported the White Ribbon Breakfast. 

Well done to the four winners of our lucky door prizes. CC Bears supporters packs, Mariners Gold pass ticket, and a night at Magenta shores. 

Special thanks for donations from, Central Coast Bears, Fortunity, Mariners, Housing NSW, Central Coast Domestic ...Violence Committee, Hemsleys Cakes, Central Coast Community Council. 

Thanks to the Community V.I.P.s and specially to Uncle Jack for his acknowledgment of country. 

To the special guest speakers, thank you for making this a morning to remember. And Finally..... To those who couldn’t attend.... Hope we see you at the breakfast in 2011

Darren Maxwell
Vice President

Central Coast Shed Cluster Inc

Access Program Coordinator Selected

Following advertising, short listing and interview the Selection Panel were unanimous in selecting Kim Hopkins for the Access Program Coordinator position. Kim was offered the position on Wednesday 24 November which he gladly accepted.

The program is supported by NSW Department Of Community Services and is a joint venture with Central Coast Sheds and will run for 3 years. Kim's appointment is for 3 days a week and it is anticipated that he will formallyenter on duty in the first or second week of December.

His role will be to work with Central Coast Disabilities Service providers and Sheds, to provide direction for the Cluster and individual Sheds to develop programs that provide social space in a workshop environment for men with disabilities and men who are socially isolated.

He will be aiming to foster partnerships with disability providers and Sheds, coordinate training in disability access initiatives and negotiate the acceptance of men with identified needs into Sheds.

Kim now wears 2 hats with his current role as Cluster Development Worker as well as the Access Program Coordinator so apart from being kept very busy he expects to be able to blend the roles together so that both benefit and more positive results are achieved. Kim will continue to be based in the Tuggerah Lakes Community Centre (when he's not on the road between Sheds and meetings) so his contact details remain the same.

Congratulations Kim !!

John Sharples, President
Central Coast Shed Cluster Inc

Presidents Report - Nov 2010

Cluster President’s Monthly Report – November 2010

• The official opening of the Gosford Men’s Shed was a highlight of the month.  The Local Member Belinda O’Neill opened the Shed and with the Gosford City Mayor Mr Laurie Maher in attendance Sheds received a very favourable promotion.

• Applications for the Shed Access position closed early in the month and following the interviews Kim Hopkins was offered the position, which he has accepted. This position is the outcome of a grant from the State Government, Department of Human Services to assist in developing structures and programs that assist disabled and socially isolated men to join in Shed activities. The project will run for 3 years and Kim’s employment will be for 3 days per week.

• I attended the White Ribbon Breakfast at Koorindah Waters in late November. Central Coast Men’s Interagency promoted this event to highlight men speaking out against violence against women.

• I had the opportunity to speak at a gathering of residents at a retirement village at Bateau Bay at which the operation of Sheds on the Coast was promoted.

• Along with a number of Shedders from Coastal Sheds and the Cluster I attended the State Men’s Shed Conference at Myuna Bay last Saturday.  The discussions and decisions coming from this meeting will be considered in the future and a full report will be prepared for the next Cluster meeting.

John Sharples

President

Gosford Men's Shed Opening

After Months in the making, Gosford Community Men's Shed had it's Official Opening on Friday 19th November 2010. The Hon Member for Robertson Deborah O'Neill officiated and declared the Shed opened.

Some 100 Guests, Sponsors and Members attended. Although the weather was not the best, the Day was an outstanding success. NBN Television covered the event . As a result another 4 Members were signed up on Monday. Congratulations to all who contributed on the Day, a job well done.

John Welland

President

Gosford Men's Shed

Movember

Will Branford is the only committee member this year brave enough to engage in  Movember. 

In the photograph he is making an intergenerational comparison with his grandfathers moustache.

Congratulations to all those shedder making a contribution by getting hairy faces for Movember.

Presidents Award

John Roberts, from the Benevolent Society, an AMHF member, writes “Just to let you all know on Wednesday last I attended the Benevolent Society AGM with Kim Hopkins, an AMHF Executive Member, who as you know was a formal volunteer with the Society working on the MARS project and specifically with the Mens Health Gathering, the creation of the CC Shed Cluster and the growth of sheds across the region. Kim was 1 of 27 nominations for the President’s Award out of 685 volunteers. There were 5 finalists and Kim was chosen. I would like to congratulate Kim on this achievement and look forward to working alongside Kim in the future.” Kim was also a nominee for Volunteer of the Year for NSW. Congratulations Kim.

Professor John Macdonald

President

Australasian Men's Health Forum

exerpt from the AMHF Newsletter

Seventh shed set to open

Central Coast Expresss Advocate
Wednesday 17 Nov 2010 p12

Baby Expo

The Mobile Mens Shed went for a day out to the Baby Expo at The Entrance Community Centre and had a visit from Santa.

The Entrance Men's Shed put on a sausage sizzle for the day and set out a stall with various wooden items for sale. The Shed is building up quite a stock of unique hand made items for sale.... check with your local shed for Christmas present ... new ideas exlusive to your local shed and not sold in stores. Childrens toys, home and office items all crafted with care.

Thanks to the Women's Health Centre at Wyoming who took the lead with this event and for welcoming the participation from The Entrance Men's Shed.

A collaborative effort to create an important community event!!

Community Builder Awards

The Central Coast Community Congress Working Party presented the 5th Annual "Real People doing Real Things" Community Building Awards .

The Awards are in recognition of community building initiatives across the region region and include paid and unpaid workers, public and private organisations.The Community Building Awards Presentation was held on Thursday Oct 28th at the Erina Room, Erina Centre from 6-00pm - 8pm

Men's Sheds on the Central Coast had three nominees....

John Welland, President of the Gosford Men's Shed for all his hard work establising the shed and building a strong membership. John has taken a strong role in developing the Shed amid the site of the new Coastshelter complex. He has been an essential part of taking the idea of a shed and making it a functioning organisation meeting the needs of men in the Gosford area.

George Wall, President San Remo Community Men's Shed  for his relentless dedication. George is there every open day to open up and secure the shed, not only seeing to the endless detail of a funcional shed but also making men welcome. George works strongly with the San Remo Neighbourhood Centre to promote and develop The Shed and its role in the community.

Bob Ihlein, former President of the Entrance Men's Shed for his year dedicated to the development of the shed, establishing team rapport among members and building a strong organisation. Bob brought many skills to the role and his leadership has made The Shed an integral part of The Entrance community.

Congratulation to all three on their nomination for outstanding work for the Men's Sheds of the Central Coast.

Lone pine Dedication Ceremony at Alison Homestead

A ceremony to honour the Men & Woman who paid the supreme sacrifice during WW1 and WW2 was held at Alison Rd Museum, Wyong on the 12/10/2010.

The ceremony consisted of the dedication of a Lone Pine, which is a direct descendant of the Lone Pine left on Gallipoli after the famous battle.

The full story can be read at the Central Coast Express Advocate.

The dedication was well attended by local Government members, members of RSL Sub branches from around the district, and the public.

Brisbane Waters Brass Band was in attendance to help mark this occasion, and some well loved music was played by them.

After the unveiling and consecration ceremony, light refreshments were served.

Alison Buckland
Central Coast Express Advocate

2 July 2009

Mens Shed Access Coordinator

The Central Coast Shed Cluster are advertising for a Mens Shed Access Coordinator.

The position is for three days a week, providing support for sheds to ensure sustainable programs for access to the Mens Sheds for men with disabilities and socially isolated men.

The the link to relevant job description and appliation can be found on the home page of the the Central Coast Shed Cluster Inc.

Men's Shed Labrador

The Men's Shed Labrador has their new website up and running.

The site is very professional and reflects all the good work being done on the Gold Coast establishing a facility for men in the region. 

This follows from their successful opening of the Shed on 21 August 2010.

Congratulations to Warren and the team from Mens Shed Labrador!!!

President's Report

President’s Report

Annual General Meeting

2010

Preamble

This has been a very good year for the Central Coast Shed Cluster Incorporated.There are now eight men’s sheds operating in the Central Coast Local Government areas and two strong proposals for sheds in Wyong.

The Central Coast Shed Cluster Inc cooperates with other sheds as requested and has six sheds outside the Gosford and Wyong Local Government Areas that have asked for support and membership of the Cluster.

Funding

The Cluster has attracted additional funding over this past year. UnitingCare Aging sponsor the Community Development Worker position to provide direction for the Cluster group and individual Sheds and to assist in new shed developments and have committed to do so for a period of three years. The Department of Human Services, Community Services, have allocated $200,000 for the Men’s Shed Access Program, to develop access programs to provide opportunities for men with disabilities and socially isolated men to join in Men’s Shed activities, over three years. This includes a part time Coordinator and other program funding.

Committee

The Central Coast Shed Cluster Inc committee has had several changes during the current year. The passing of John Connor saw John Welland step into the Treasurers role to assist with the bookkeeping and financial responsibilities. John Sharples was elected to the role of President when Kim Hopkins stepped aside to take up the role of Community Development Worker.

Membership

The Central Coast Shed Cluster Inc has restructured its membership to provide an equitable representation while retaining a broad base of resources from across the Central Coast. Each shed is entitled to representation and voting rites. Affiliate and sponsor organisations also have one representative and voting rights. Individual financial members, are not members of sheds are also entitled to vote.

Marketing

The Mobile Men’s Shed continues to be a flagship for Men’s Sheds on the Central Coast and in the Hunter Region. The Mobile Men’s Shed has been present at most major community events on the Cental Coast throughout the year. The Mobile Shed attended Dads Day Out Gosford and Wyong, Naidoc week, the G.O.A.T.S (Going Off At The Swamp) youth music festival, Wyong Family Fun Day and Kincumber Day. The trailer is increasingly being requested for additional events. The Mobile Men’s Shed made a brief appearance on NBN at the public meeting for the Belmont Men’s Shed.

Community Engagement Projects (tissue box construction) is a very popular activity when the Mobile Shed is present and is a source of much positive comment about men, Men’s Sheds and their role in wider community. Many thanks to volunteers that man the shed on these demanding days and those who have contributed their time to towing the trailer to and from events. Many thanks to the Benevolent Society for funding this activity. 

The Internet continues to be a strong resource with our web page linking sheds and the broader community. Many a new member at a shed will explain that they have looked though the information and the many shed blogs to understand what activities take place at a shed. This is also an excellent resource for service providers and new members seeking information. The Mobile Men’s Shed blog has been updated with photos and the web page includes a calendar of future events for the trailer. The Cluster Blog has been brought online and is currently being updated with future events and some historical items.

Affiliations & Sponsorships

The Central Coast Shed Cluster Inc works with the Australian Men’s Shed Association to support, promote and advocate for Men’s Sheds.  

The Cluster has affiliations with Australian Men’s Health Forum, the Central Coast Men’s Interagency, the Central Coast Community Council and Wyong Interagency. 

The Cluster also maintains strong links with the UnitingCare Aging, The Benevolent Society and Interrelate (counselling services and relationship programs). 

Summation

The Central Coast Shed Cluster is building strong links among Men’s Sheds on the Central Coast and is being recognised for its leading role in developing sheds in the region and innovative programs in the community. This leadership role is attracting additional recognition and funding.  

Thanks to the committee members who contribute to these achievements, the sheds for their ongoing support. 

K Hopkins & J Sharples

AMHF Executive

Left to right Anthony Brown, Brendan Sullivan, Chris Johnson,

Prof. John McDonald, Gary Bryant, Greg Milan and Kim Hopkins.

The Australasian Men's Health Forum (AMHF) held their Annual General Meeting in Perth at the offices of the Men's Advisory Network (MAN).

The Executive includes -

Prof. John McDonald - President

Anthony Brown - Secretary

Chris Johnson - Treasurer

Gary Bryant - Committee

Brendan Sullivan - Committee

Kim Hopkins - Committee

Greg Milan - Committee



Annual General Meeting 6 October 2010

The Annual General Meeting was held at the Tuggerah Lakes Community Centre 1 Bay Village Road Bateau Bay at 2 pm on 6 October 2010.

The conference room was crowded with 15 members sheds and interested community groups. Despite some apologies most of the sheds on the Central Coast and affiliitated sheds were represented at the meeting. Apart from the administrative process of the presidents and treasurers reports and the election of officers, there was plenty of infomal opportunity for those attending to learn about the cluster and the other sheds forming this organisation.

Position	Elected
President	John Sharples
Vice President	Darren Maxwell
Secretary	Colleen Cooper
Treasurer	John Roberts
Committee	Alan Sparkes
Committee	John Welland
Committee	Will Branford
Committee	Angie Robinson

Stress Less

AMSA NSW State Conference

The State ‘gathering’ is being held at Myuna Bay on 26^th – 28^th of November.

The gathering will be having elections for the State committee and there will be one vote per shed. Gathering has  opened up to all shedders. 

So rally the men to come along and get some great shed information, I hope to offer sheds the ability to display their sheds on a pictorial display wall that will hopefully be a talking point amongst the shedders (please start to gather pics for each shed.) As each shed books I will generate a shed name banner and allocate a position for their display. Friday night will be a meet and greet for those that have travelled from afar (and locals that want to get in early) Saturday will hold all the meetings/voting etc and Sunday will be for sobering up before the drive home.

I hope this gives you enough to wet your whistle and start beating the drum…..we needs 200+ attendees which if Wellington was anything to go by (400+) shouldn’t be a problem.

Stuart Torrance 

Cluster Coordinator

Hunter Valley Shed Cluster

Annual General Meeting 2010

It’s Annual General Meeting time and to have a strong community organisation we need a strong membership. If you are interested in helping men working in the community on the Central Coast then this is the group to join, Central Coast Shed Cluster Incorporated.

It’s the end of our financial year [30 June] for Central Coast Shed Cluster Inc. Accordingly the CCSC Inc AGM will be taking place at Tuggerah Lakes Community Centre, 1 Bay Village Road, Bateau Bay at 2 pm on Wednesday 6th October 2010.

Memberhip and Nomination forms are available on the homepage of the Central Coast Shed Cluster Inc website

Fathers Day Breakfast Presentation

An indication of the increasing influence of the Shed Cluster on the Coast was the recent invitation to speak to a gathering of fathers at the Lisarow Public School Father’s Day Breakfast.

This provided an opportunity to spread the word about the part Sheds play in helping men appreciate the important role they have in our community and the development in Sheds and their programs in Gosford and Wyong.

Our short message was supported by 3 other speakers. One a long-term commuter who now realizes what he, and his children, have missed during his extended time away from home. A family counselor who spoke on how children see their fathers and the importance of family interaction and, a Dr telling his story about depression and the work of the Black Dog Institute.

Three rather somber presentations were balanced by a much more positive presentation concentrating on the great times men have in our Sheds and the benefits flowing from many relationships that develop.
 

John Sharples 

President 

Central Coast Shed Cluster Inc

Appointment Of A Community Development Worker

Having received support funding from Uniting Care Ageing, Mr. Kim Hopkins has been appointed on June 1 as the Community Development Worker. Kim is employed on Tuesday and Thursday and is based in the Tuggerah Lakes Community Centre, 1 Bay Village Road Bateau Bay.

Kim's role is to work with Cluster members to provide direction for the Cluster group and each Shed in projects such as the promotion of the Men's Shed movement; strategic planning; fostering business partnerships; coordination of training and men's health issues; support and encouragement for Sheds and their self management and to foster growth in new Shed development.

Kim can be contacted on 0413 244 484.

written by

J Sharples, President 

Central Coast Shed Cluster Inc

NAIDOC week 2010

Central Coast Shed Cluster Inc were awared a certificate of appreciation for their efforts in supporting NAIDOC week 2010. The cluster provided the Mobile Mens Shed trailer and two able bodied tissue box builders in Kim and Darren. The Benevolent Society donated the cost of the the tissue boxes and one volunteer and the invitation to attend the day. The trailer was busy from dawn to dusk with the sound of hammers banging on plywood and the delight as the kids ran off with their finished product to have it painted and decorated at the other very busy stalls.

A very successful day for the Mobile Mens Shed!!

Cluster Committee June

The Central Coast Shed Cluster Inc meets each month on at 2pm on the first Wednesday or each month.

Representatives from all sheds are welcome to attend. There is much business to conduct and information to share.

Mission

1. To raise awareness of men’s health issues including physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health and wellbeing.
2. To encourage Sheds on the Central Coast to become active participants of the Cluster and support greater participation in the local community.
3. To support the social interaction of all men by improving the social determinants of health.
4. To build upon the community strengths, skills and expertise through facilitating social bonds, networks and linkages relevant to the community.
5. To encourage peer education, peer support and improved access to social, health and community services.
6 To support other sheds/groups outside the Central Coast to become self sustaining as and when necessary.

Vision

A Visison for Central Coast Men’s Shed Cluster Inc

To promote and support men’s health activities through the provision of a safe
environments that encourage the social inclusion of men and facilitates meaningful
discussion within their local community

Women welcome at Swansea men shed

BY DAMON CRONSHAW

06 Apr, 2010 04:00 AM

A MEN'S shed is planned at Swansea, but women will be allowed in."It's called a men's shed, but we're not gender specific," Swansea Men's Shed vice-chairman Bill Geary said yesterday.

"Quite a lot of women like to do manual things, like woodwork."

Kids will be allowed in too.

"We aim to give kids the opportunity to learn to make things with their hands," Mr Geary said.
About 60 people had signed as members of the shed.

Lake Macquarie City councillors will consider tonight allowing the group to use the old Blacksmiths tourist information centre.

The council had planned last year to demolish the Pacific Highway building due to the $130,000 cost of repairing white-ant damage.

The men's shed group plan to repair the building.

Another community organisation, Hunter Workways, was vying to use the building, but council staff recommended that the men's shed group be allowed to rent it for $830 a year.