Here are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Men's Sheds on the Central Coast.
If there is a question that you wanted answered or have been asked at some time, do not hesitate to send us an email or contact us directly.
Where are the Sheds ?
There are Sheds in many locations about the Central Coast. Visit the Homepage of the Cenral Coast Shed Cluster to find the shed convenient to you. Click on the page of the shed to see contact details, a map and a photo of the shed.
Developing sheds may not appear on the homepage but can often be found listed on the Developing Sheds page where contact details are provided.
When are The Sheds open?
Each Shed has its own opening times agreed among the members of each shed.
Most sheds have morning sessions but some also open in the afternoon.
A few sheds are open on Saturday morning.
The information page on each shed has the current opening times.
What do you do in The Shed?
Mainly we get together and share a bit of company, either over a cuppa or doing a project.
There are three main categories of activity at the shed.
1. Personal projects,
2. Shed improvement projects
3. Community involvement projects
Members are welcome to be involved in any or all of these as is their own capability or interest. Or just to come to the shed and have a chat with these friendly blokes as they go about their tasks.
How do I become a member of The Shed?
Come and check us out and see what we do... no compulsion to join, just see what we do.
If you like what you see... you can join for a small fee of less than $20 and a small annual membership fee.
Your signature on a membership form that asks for important information is also required.
Do I have to pay for ongoing visits?
Membership entitles you to attend the shed, become involved in Toolbox Meetings and commence work on your own projects or assist on Shed or community projects.
Some Sheds require payment of gold coin or $2.00 on each visit. Other sheds encourage donation of a gold coin each time they sign in. The ethos of The Shed is about inclusion so this is not meant to be a barrier to attendance.
However, the funds are important to the shed to keep up the standard of morning tea and provide some of the consumables that are require for the ongoing running of The Shed.
What is a Toolbox Meeting?
Toolbox Meetings are a core democratic management of The Shed. These meetings are held over morning tea most days the the shed is open. This gives an opportunity to advise members, make resolutions and resolve disputes. The meetings are mostly casual affairs that discuss anything from tool maintenance, through safety concerns to major financial decisions for the The Shed.
Everyone has the opportunity to express an opinion and a vote on major issues.
These meetings are generally presided over by the Shed leader.
[Don't be fooled, there is also a lot of laughter
and the chance to spin a yarn or two...ed]
Who pays for The Sheds?
There are are many sources of funding, sponsorship and significant contributors for The Sheds and the Cluster.
Major contributors to the Men's Sheds Central Coast Include include
- UnitingCare Ageing Hunter, Central Coast and New England
- Department of Family & Community Services, Human Services
- Department of Disability, Ageing and Home Care
- ADSSI
Many Sheds have contributed time and energy to the setup and operation of the Men's Sheds Central Coast Inc.
Individuals donated time, venues and material support at crucial times to allow the association to progress to the current operational stage.
Grants from community funding from Gosford and Wyong Councils and the Federal & State Government have assisted in some projects.
Where do you get the funds for materials and projects?
Men's Sheds receive donations of material from members and the community. These donations have been used in many of the successful projects.
- Personal projects - Shed members purchase their own materials
- Shed development projects, materials are drawn from stores or sourced locally at the most suitable price.
- Community projects, the Sheds are able to provide labour and skills, tools and workshop, but materials costs are the responsibility of the contracting organisation.
