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.