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