Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Wyong Men's Shed

 About The Wyong Men’s Shed

When built, the Wyong Men’s Shed will be a place for blokes to hang out, build stuff, learn how to use tools, show other blokes how to use tools, have a coffee (we expect the coffee machine to be the most used tool in the shed) and be mates.

As well as a place to hang out using tools as an excuse, some of the blokes will take advantage of programs about all sorts of things, including men’s health, computers, and general information programs that lots of average blokes have an interest in.



 The DA Process

This is now our one and only focus. Our Grant is dependent on the approval of the DA, and there is a deadline. Everything hinges on our DA being approved – and for that reason, for the short term, all other smaller projects have been parked for a couple of weeks. The DA had to be re-submitted to Council on 11th of August – the advertising period ends Friday 2nd of September, and we talk again with Council on Monday 5th of September and we can probably expect approval mid September.



The Funding Process

Our contract for the funding has been decided on, and we have two specific milestones to work towards.  1) part of the funds delivered on the approval of the DA and 2) completion of the slab (ready to build).  And there is an expectation from the funding body that the building be complete by 31st of December.



 Construction Update

We’ve had lots of conversations around the actual construction… do we have a suspended floor or a cut & fill slab? Do we build north/south or east/west? Do we have a loft or no loft? Etc, etc, etc…

We have some quotes in as well (which has been great to give us an idea of what we’re looking at). And it’s been great that some of our shedders are very enthusiastic about talking to builders.

When we come back to our next meeting, we’ll get very organised about which builders have been approached, which builders should be approached, and what design options will be ideal. This won’t be a very long process once properly organised, and will commence as soon as we have a confirmation of DA approval.



 Fitting Out Our Shed

We’ve had some great offers for stuff for our shed, but we need to wait till we actually have a shed to put it all in. In the meantime, if you know someone that has blokes gear that needs a good home, please let us know.







Our Web Site



Our web site is under construction – but you can watch it’s progress at www.wyongmensshed.com.au



Our Forum

We have opened a forum at www.ourSHEDforum.com.au  (look for Wyong Men’s Shed on the front page) so that we can have open communication about ideas as they happen.  The highlights of this forum will be listed here in the newsletter, and will be discussed at our meetings when they recommence.



Meetings

We are about to announce a number of upcoming meetings – and will be displayed on the forum, and everyone on our contact list will be notified.  If you are not on our contact list, and want to be, contact Michael on 0412 667 426



Our Logo

By the way… did you notice our logo? Google “men’s sheds” all you like, and you won’t find a logo as good as ours… and we have Nick from The Bean Farm Studio to thank for that!!!

Committee meeting at Swansea

Reminder Next Committee Meeting for Men's Sheds Central Coast 

Time: 2:00 PM   Wednesday

Date: 7 September 201

Place: Swansea Men's Shed

Address: 74 Pacific Hwy 
           Blacksmiths NSW

Location: Cnr Little Pelican Rd & Pacific Hwy

Agenda and relevant documents will be sent shortly.
Meetings are held regularly on 
1st Wednesday of the month
at various member sheds of the
Men's Sheds Central Coast.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Learning Communities Strategy

Wyong Shire Council held a World Cafe Forum on for discussion and consultation on their Learning Communities Strategy.

The forum was welcomed with an addresss by Julie Vaughan, Manager Community and Cultural Development. This was followed by an overview presentation on the Wyong Shire Learning Communities Strategy by Belinda McRobie.

Participants were then encouraged to join discussion tables for half hour discussions on a range of topis referencing the Learning Communities Strategy.

Mens Sheds were listed up on the table for finding new and innovative ways of learning. Discussion were wide ranging and included the role of transport, the National Broadband Network, libraries and better networking and promotion.

New First Aiders


Men's Sheds on the Central Coast now have a new crew of fully trained Senior First Aiders.

Members of sheds across the Central Coast turned up at the East Gosford Progress Hall having read their First Aid books and proceed through the intensive training and practical application of first aid techniques.

Gosford, Peninsula, San Remo, Manno, Bateau Bay, Kincumber, Terrigal and Alison Homestead all were all keen to have a skilled First Aid trained members of their shed to deal with any emergencies during operation.

Our thanks to Julie Rigg from EMT Parasol for presenting and entertaining and informative course, that will make each shed safer for those attending.

Congratulations to the particiapants in the course who all passed with flying colours !!
The Entrance Men's Shed Inc held its AGM at the Shed today. All positions were filled and Bob Ihlein was welcomed back as the new President.

Peter Whitehead was awarded Life Membership for his services as Treasurer and for his efforts in progressing the new extension that is now near completion.

Congratulations to all the new commitee!!


for the full story and all the committee members click here.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Pit Stop

Shedders

If you have the opportunity on 11 September come visit Dads Day Out and try the new Pit Stop set up by the Central Coast Division of General Practice.

Mens Health at its most direct.!!


Thursday, August 25, 2011

Bateay Bay Mens Shed AGM

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Bateau Bay Men’s Shed Inc





Notice of AGM
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Bateau Bay Men’s Shed Inc will be held at the Shed on Thursday 22 September 2011 at 10am. All financial members are welcome to attend.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Free DIY Health Toolkit

DIY Health Toolbox

The DIY Health Toolbox is a health promotion initiative under the National Male Health Policy that has been developed in consultation with Minister Snowdon’s Male Health Reference Group , the Australian Men’s Shed Association and Men’s Sheds Australia to ensure the items and health promotion messages contained in the toolbox are appropriate and useful in the shed environment.

The DIY Health Toolbox is a real toolbox that contains usable items such as tape measures, carpenter’s pencils, magnetic clips and note books featuring positive health messages and referral pathways.

A limit of one free DIY Health Toolbox is available to all established Men’s Sheds that apply during the application period. To receive a free DIY Health Toolbox, a Men’s Shed must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • It is overseen by a not-for-profit community-based organisation* that is socially inclusive and opens its doors to all males wishing to participate in Shed activities, OR conforms to the above definition in all respects except that its membership is restricted to male Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members for cultural purposes; AND
  • The primary activity is the provision of a safe, friendly and inclusive environment where males are able to gather together and/or work on meaningful projects at their own pace, in their own time and in the company of other males; AND
  • It is a purpose built facility, or a multi-purpose community or private building, used on a regular basis as Men’s Shed for the primary activity detailed above, AND the group identifies its primary purpose as being a ‘Men’s Shed’, OR in the absence of a purpose built facility, identifies as a gathering for the purposes of men’s business in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander groups.
*The organisation needs to be a legal or registered entity, such as an Association, incorporated (or under the auspices of an incorporated body) under State and Territory Incorporation legislation, and act as a legal entity separate from its individual members that can hold property.

Completed order forms for the DIY Health Toolbox will be accepted by National Mailing and Marketing from 22 August 2011 up until 30 September 2011. Orders received after this period will not be eligible.

DIY Health Toolbox order form
to access this information directly
 from the Departement of Health
 website click here.

25 new grants

THE HON WARREN SNOWDON MP

Minister for Indigenous Health
22nd August 2011

25 NEW GRANTS TO SUPPORT MEN’S SHEDS

The Australian Government is funding new grants for twenty-five men’s sheds across the country to purchase tools, conduct building and maintenance and employ shed co-ordinators.

The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, who has responsibility for male health, made the announcement at the 4th National Men’s Shed Conference in Brisbane.

“Men’s sheds have long been recognised as meeting places where men can find social support and camaraderie. They can play a significant role in improving men’s heath and wellbeing by connecting them with each other and their communities in a pressure-free environment.

“Men often form friendships as they work together, doing things that are traditionally done in sheds, like building furniture, fixing machinery and working on small projects to help other local community groups.


“With Australian men still dying four to five years younger than women, we know we have to support grass roots initiatives like men’s sheds to get males of all ages engaged in ways to improve their health and wellbeing,” he said.

Mr Snowdon said Round Two of the Australian Government Shed Development Program announced today is funding sites in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania up to $10,000 each.

Some of the successful recipients include Shed West in Queensland, which will use funding, and skilled shed members, to make repairs to homes damaged from the Queensland floods.

Also, Wagalgau Garkaziw Zageth Inc, located on Moa Island in the Torres Strait will receive funding to purchase blocks, trusses, iron and cement to build an extension on the shed for planned social gatherings to engage males in the area.

A number of the sheds will be funded to employ a shed co-ordinator to assist with tasks such as overseeing and supporting projects to engage males in the shed environment or to facilitate discussions with relevant and interested groups .

Mr Snowdon said there was considerable support expressed for these funded Men’s Sheds during consultations for the National Male Health Policy.

“Men’s sheds’ demonstrated success in reaching marginalised and isolated males and contributing to improvements in male health and wellbeing,” he said.


The National Male Health Policy included $3 million to the Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) to support Men’s Sheds across Australia, including $750,000 for the Australian Government Shed Development Program. 

All Men’s Sheds throughout Australia are eligible to apply for up to $10,000 in Government assistance.

Round Three of funding will open in late August 2011 and interested Sheds should monitor the Men’s Shed website http://www.mensshed.org for updates.

Please see the attached table for a list of the successful Round Two Men’s Sheds across Australia.

Media contact:
Minister Snowdon: Marcus Butler 0417 917 796 or 02 6277 7820


Australian Government Shed Development Program
Round 2: successful grant recipients by State and Territoryte   Successful Shed Category        Grant amount    Funding to be used to assist with      


New South Wales
      
NSW     Bingara Men's Shed
      Building Maintenance or Development     6,000   Purchasing a mobile welding bench with shield and updating of electrical wires and plumbing to expand projects available in the shed
      
NSW     Canterbury Men's Shed (Campsie)
  Shed Co-ordinator       8,640   Engaging a shed co-ordinator to oversee and support a project to engage males to the shed environment with a particular focus on male refugees
      
NSW     Casino Community Men's Shed Inc
     Building Maintenance or Development     1,834   Improving lighting in building to ensure a safe workspace, provide storage space for tools and general purchase of tools for woodworking area to make projects for resale
      
NSW     Coolah Men's Shed Inc   Building Maintenance or Development     6,000   Purchasing a Torque Work Centre to produce wooden toys and to expand the range of woodwork projects available in the shed

NSW     Gunibul Men's Shed (Coonamble)  Shed Co-ordinator       10,000  Engaging a shed co-ordinator to source suitable site for a shed for Aboriginal males in the area, assist with facilitating discussions with relevant/interested groups and organise a variety of activities/referral pathways for shedders
      
NSW
 Nambucca Valley Men's Shed (Macksville)   Tools   3,636   Purchasing flexible welding screen to give shedders the opportunity to learn welding and steel fabrication in a safe work environment; improving electrical equipment to ensure OHS standards are met
      
NSW     Nambucca Valley Men's Shed (Macksville)
 Building Maintenance or Development     6,000   Fitting-out bathroom to improve disability access, fitting-out kitchenette/lunchroom to comply with OH&S regulations and health/building specifications to offer shedders a food preparation and eating area; connecting  water and electrical mains to shed; installing of phone and internet connections
      
NSW     Narromine Men's Shed Inc        Tools   3,474   Purchasing machinery and installation of power points to provide a working environment that will suit shedders of varying abilities; restoration of aircraft for the Narromine Aviation Museum
      
NSW     Nyngan Men's Shed       Tools   3,582   Purchasing general equipment to expand shed activities: planer, wood lathe, band saw, saw bench, pedestal drill, dust collector and accessories
      
NSW     Tenterfield Men's Shed  Tools   4,000   Purchasing additional metal working tools and equipment to expand the range of shed activities according to the aspirations of shedders
      
NSW     The Men's Shed Moree Inc        Building Maintenance or Development     6,000   Refurbishing old poultry shed, and upgrading of plumbing and electrical facilities to ensure OH&S standards are met and power points are accessible
      
NSW     Warren Menshed  Tools   4,000   Purchasing a range of metal working tools and equipment for repairing of items such as bicycles, a range of furniture, and for other creative metal activities
      
NSW     Warren Menshed  Building Maintenance or Development     6,000   Extending existing building to provide a safe work area for welding and metal working activities
       
Victoria
      
VIC     Brimbank Men's Shed (Sunshine)  Shed Co-ordinator       10,000  Engaging a shed co-ordinator for various operational activities including community building through networking and advocacy
      
VIC
   Darebin Men’s Shed & Budda Men’s Shed (East Reservoir)  Tools   3,000   Purchasing camping equipment for shedders to engage in outdoor social activities   
   
VIC     Geelong Community Shed Inc (Norlane)         Tools   3,005   Purchasing metal working equipment and building a dedicated booth to minimise risk and provide a safe working environment
      
VIC     Pantjan Men's Shed (St. Albans) 
        Tools   800     Purchasing kitchen facilities, fire extinguisher and first aid equipment to improve shed and engage members in a range of cultural and educational activities
      
VIC     Wedderburn Men's Shed   Tools   4,000   Purchasing various equipment to expand shed activities and assist men with disabilities: tools and wood lathe with bowl jar, scroll chuck and chisels
       
Queensland
      
QLD     Bauple Community Shed   Building Maintenance or Development     3,708   Installing additional power points to allow a wider range of power tools to be used in the shed and improve lighting to create a safer work place, and installing a cook stove in the recreation area
      
QLD     Shed West (Kenmore Hills)       Flood Assistance
     4,740   Engaging services of a suitably qualified person to provide formal instruction and training to shed members in the safe and correct operation of a range of large-scale woodworking machinery including bandsaws, table saws, surface planers, thicknessers, woodturning lathes and sanding equipment
      
QLD     The Bay Island Men's Shed (Macleay Island)  
      Tools   4,000   Equipping shed with a range of tools and safety equipment to suit shedders of varying abilities
      
QLD     The Inglewood Mates Shed        Building Maintenance or Development     5,440   Painting the shed and installing suitable windows in the building, setting up a meeting room/space for regular activities, improving kitchen facilities and setting up a computer area
      
QLD     Wagalgau Garkaziw Zageth Inc (Torres Strait)
        Tools   3,636   Purchasing blocks, trusses, iron and cement to build an extension on the shed for various planned social gatherings
      
QLD     Wagalgau Garkaziw Zageth Inc (Torres Strait)
        Building Maintenance or Development     5,455   Building and fitting out of an extension on the shed for various planned social gatherings
       
Tasmania       
TAS     Central Highlands Community Men's Shed (Hamilton)
        Shed Co-ordinator       6000    Engaging a shed co-ordinator to link with local council on a regular basis, source shed materials, plan furniture building activities and relay new skills/knowledge to shedders

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

NSW AMSA

John Sharples, President of the Bateau Bay Men's Shed, President of Men's Sheds Central Coast and elected Representative for Zone 8 spent considerable time with the NSW representatives of the nominated zones.

The NSW Mens Shed Association now has an elected committee led by Bill Gifford as the President, Kevin Callinan as Secretary and Treasurer. John Sharples is now an elected member of  the NSW Mens Sheds Association committee.

Congratulations John !!


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Monday, August 22, 2011

Conference Dinner

The Conference Dinner was well attended. A sizeable number of the over 350 delegates attended the evening dinner at The Greek Club in Woolloongabba not far from the Conference Centre.

During the evening Ted Donnelly was presented with the perpetual trophy "Ted Donnelly Trophy". Congratulations to Ted for all the work he has achieved building the role of Mens Sheds at a national and state level.

The dinner guests were entertained by the Barbershop Choir during the early part of the evening. Later the shedders were invited to enjoy Greek dancing to the strains of traditional greek instruments.





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4th Annual Men's Shed Conference Opening

The local aboriginal dance group put on an excellent display of dance, song and firemaking to open the 4th National Men's Shed Conference in Brisbane.


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Banners

The new pull up banners were proudly on display at the 4th Annual Australian Men's Sheds conference at the Brisbane Convention Centre. They attracted considerable attention in the display area with other posters and stands from exhibitors and sheds.


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Thursday, August 18, 2011

Three years more life for 15 minutes' exercise a day

Calling all couch potatoes.

You can live an extra three years if you exercise for just 15 minutes a day – half the 30-minute minimum prescribed by the World Health Organization.

That's the heart-warming news from an eight-year study on 400,000 people of all ages in Taiwan. Further studies will be needed to confirm the effect is applicable worldwide, though.
"Halving the daily exercise requirement still yielded significant benefits for men and women, young and old, smokers and non-smokers, and even for high-risk groups such as diabetics and people with high blood pressure," says Chi-Pang Wen of the National Health Research Institutes in Taipei, Taiwan, head of the research team.

Wen divided his participants into five groups according to the level of exercise they routinely did. He placed them in categories ranging from completely inactive to very active depending on the duration and intensity of the activities they performed – such as walking, running or playing sports. The more exercise they did, the greater the benefits, but the biggest surprise was the disproportionately large leap in benefits for those doing just a little exercise – around 15 minutes a day – as opposed to none at all. That extra sweat added three extra years beyond the lifespan of the idle.

To boot, the risk of cancer fell by 10 per cent and risk of heart disease by 20 per cent. "This is amazing," says Wen, who hopes the less daunting target will encourage more people to exercise.

More pain, more gain

But the study also confirmed that more pain means more gain: at the end of the eight years, 20, 29 and 35 per cent fewer people had died in the three most energetic groups than in the inactive group. These highly active people can add four to five years to their lifespan compared with non-exercisers.

"Everyone should strive to perform the recommended amount of exercise: 30 minutes per day, five days a week," says Anil Nigam of the Montreal Heart Institute at the University of Montreal, Canada.
"But importantly, this study tells us that smaller blocks of exercise are also beneficial," he says. "Many people believe that in order to achieve any benefit from exercise, it must be long and hard, but this study shows this is not the case – so hopefully it will encourage more people to incorporate this manageable amount of exercise into their daily lives."

If couch potatoes need any further persuasion, they might find it in another new study, led by Lennert Veerman at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, which concludes that 6 hours of sedentary behaviour per day – not counting sleeping – knocks five years off your life.

New Scientist
17 August 2011
by Andy Coghlan

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Mens Interagency AGM 2011

A reminder that the
Mens Interagency
Annual General Meeting
 is on
16th August 2011


The Men's Interagency is the peak body for service providers, organisations and individuals concerned with men’s health, well-being and other issues affecting men and boys in the NSW Central Coast Region. The Men's Interagency was established in 2010 and incorporated in 2011. It is a not-for-profit non-government organisation.

The primary role that the Men's Interagency plays is supporting service providers, organisations and professionals from various disciplines, who work with men and boys. In addition, The Men's Interagency provides information to individuals about appropriate services and professionals, plus provides general community education and raises awareness of the issues affecting men and boys. Further information is available on the website: www.mensinteragency.com
 Vision Statement:
Our vision is:
To build resilient families and communities through working with men and boys


Mission Statement:
Our Mission is to:
Ø  Increase access to positive growth opportunities for men and boys


Ø  Develop an innovative approach to linking opportunities with service providers for men and boys


Ø  Support the health and well-being of men and boys through self-empowerment and reliability


Core Value:
Our Core value is to:


Ø  Respectfully value the tradition of men’s business




Fundamental Belief:
Our  Fundamental Belief is:


Ø  That wisdom is earned by humbly acknowledging the context and history of every male journey.





To nominate for a position on the committee please contact the secretary, Darren Maxwell 


To become a regular member please follow the membership link.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Committee meeting at Swansea Mens Shed

Men's Sheds Central Coast
  Committee Meeting
3pm
Wednesday
7 September 2011

Swansea Men’s Shed
Cnr Little Pelican Rd & Pacific Hwy,
74 Pacific Highway
Blacksmiths  NSW

engaging dads

contact


or 

 (02) 4570 2713
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AGM for The Entrance Men's Shed Inc

It's Annual General Meeting time and to have strong community organisation we need a strong membership. If you are interested in helping men in The Entrance area then this is the group to join, The Entrance Men's shed Inc.


It's the end of the financial year 30 June for The Entrance Men's Shed Inc (TEMS). Accordingly, The TEMS AGM will be taking place at The Entance Men's Shed, 15 Battley Avenue The Entrance on Monday 29 August 2011.


For further information including nomination forms, proxy forms and membership forms please contact the secretary Terry at the shed.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

First Aid Training - 29 August


First Aid Course

Monday
29 August 2011

East Gosford Progress Association Hall

10 Henry Parry Drive
East Gosford

8:15 for 8:30 am Start 
finish   3.30 pm
prior reading and activity required

Free to members

Training up to 2 members of each shed
20 places only

contact Kim
or
0413 244 484

Wyong Mens Shed Logo

The new Wyong Men's Shed logo is becoming a familiar sight around the Bunnings Tuggerah with their second Bar-B-Que under way this week. Keep an eye out for the new shirts and caps as the team from wyong go about fundraising for their shed.

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Wednesday, August 3, 2011

August Shed Roundup

Peninsula Community Shed – ready for new shed to be erected. 100 boomerangs for Aboriginal family day - Mingaletta. Jim and Eric attended.


Bateau Bay Men's Shed - Members -  Attendance really good. All the news is on BBMS Blog site. Community Garden grant received.
 
Wyong Shed - DA going through Wyong Council. 20 men attending meetings. Men are keen - fundraising at Bunning's and further 2 bbq planned. Money coming from external services to fund Shed. Discussion took place around managing new committee and process to keep them informed without constantly reminding them of meetings.
 
San Remo – Office is lined and painting done. Awning completed. Awning on western side to be completed. Four Fire Brigade men attended to do fire audit. 41 active members.
 
Terrigal Shed - 3-4 new members from time to time. Shipping container for storage. Garage sale September 10th (8.00am/1.00pm). Tony - approached Walker Bros for trade discount and all Sheds to ask for discount if buying at walker Bros. North Gosford.

Kincumber Shed - Secret Women's business are looking at using the shed.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Wyong Men's Shed

Hi all,
Just a reminder that our next Wyong Men’s Shed meeting is ...

this Thursday 4th August at 9.30am in room 5 at Wyong Neighbourhood Centre.

We are hoping to form a committee at this time, so if you are interested in nominating for a position make sure you are there.
Cheers Colette



Monday, August 1, 2011

BLOKES group meets at peninsula mens shed

The August 1st meeting of the BLOKES group at Peninsula shed attracted 7 attendees. Most importantly the age groups of the men attending varied from 21 to 70.

For full story click here.

Blokes Group

See this as posted at F&CVPP BLOG



The Family and Community Violence Prevention Project ended July and started August with a fantastic meeting of the BLOKES Group at the Peninsula shed. Peninsula BLOKES group facilitator Eric Valters has been in contact with local support services, doctors, health centres etc and distributed posters and flyers raising awareness of the need for men to be mindful of their emotional health requirements in these changing times.



Eric (community work volunteer) received special attention from a particular Doctors surgery in Umina and was invited back to discuss the BLOKES group with the Doctors the next day. They were very positive about the BLOKES group initiative.



The August 1st meeting of the BlOKES group at Peninsula shed attracted 7 attendees. Most importantly the age groups of the men attending varied from 21 to 70. With one coming all the way from the entrance to be involved in the Specific Dynamic of the BLOKES group meeting.


Mens emotional health needs can, at times, take on a higher priority than physical health needs.


As men we are aware of issues that can trigger emotional responses.  


The BLOKES groups in mens sheds initiative deals specifically with emotional health needs.


The BLOKES group role in helping to reduce the incidence of family and community violence is best recognized as men helping each other to create an atmosphere of understanding and support of male specific issues through experience and male cultural bonding.


The opportunity to deal with male specific cultural issues in this BLOKES group format has been found very useful to address a wide range of male specific emotional health issues in the past but it has not been given priority support by community service providers on a regular or ongoing basis.


The Blokes Groups in Mens Sheds initiative is Co-ordinated  by the Mens Sheds Central Coast Family and Community Violence Prevention Project 2011-2013.


A very BIG Thanks to Eric, Peter and Richard and all the Guys a the Peninsula Shed for helping to get the BLOKES Group up and running on the Central Coast.


The BLOKES group blog site can be found at  BLOKES Group