September 2024 Newsletter

General News
Notice Board
New Management 2024 (voluntary)
Supporters of the Coffs Harbour Men's Shed

General News

Did you Know?

Rotary saw the need for a Men’s Shed in 2006 and established a development team.

The Coffs Men’s Shed began operations in 2009. This was thanks to CHESS Employment who covered the leasing costs for a 256m2 shed in Marcia Street. They also provided a full-time manager.

We had to come up with the rent for the premise each month!

Coffs Harbour Rotary fitted out the Shed and officially opened it.

When we joined the Australian Men’s Sheds Association (AMSA) we were about number 350. There are now over 1200 Men’s Sheds in Australia. Sheds have now become international with 12 countries adopting this Aussie phenomenon.

The current Howard St. Shed was made possible by The City of Coffs Harbour granting us a tenancy agreement for the use of the land for 35years for a nominal annual rent.

Building began in 2018 thanks to government grant monies.

The Shed’s size is 800 square metres with another 190 square metres for the mezzanine. The length and breadth of 40m x 20m.

All the plant and equipment is owned by the Shed.

The Shed’s current 2024-2025 membership is at this time 155.

The Shed has a registered constitution in accordance with the Associations Incorporation Act 2009. This defines the structure and governance of the Shed. Any changes have to be approved via the NSW government offices of Fair Trading.

The Shed has been granted Charity status by the Australian Taxation Office. We have also been endorsed as a deductible gift recipient. Any changes to our governing rules, structure or activities may affect our on-going eligibility.

A Strategic Plan is developed, by members and for members, to provide the management committee with concrete guidelines for the development of the Shed.

The current Plan 2022 – 2025 will be reviewed as part of the process of developing the next Plan.

The annual membership fee is currently $60.00, which runs from July to June.

The Shed receives the benefit of group cover for insurances and their costs from AMSA. They negotiate cover for all member Sheds in Australia. Our insurance costs are covered by your membership fees. (currently costing is $53.00/member). As you would be aware personally, insurances are just getting dearer and dearer!

It costs $498.46 per week in on costs to open the Shed doors. This doesn’t include the day to day expenditures to provide members with the high standard of benefits we enjoy.

Our main sources of income are: Grants and donations, commission work and garage sales.

The Shed is open 5 days a week from 7am till 2pm, thanks to the dedication of the volunteer office management team.

The Shed is closed on public holidays and occasions when there is no member of the office management team available to man the office.

We are not a training facility, like TAFE. Occasionally members will provide advice or demonstrate a skill but they are not trained or qualified to teach people woodworking skills and are wary of being held partly responsible for accidents that can occur.

We are an active supporter of the development of a Women's Shed. We have provided advice and pledged equipment for when they secure premise.

Men's Sheds provide a venue for men's health. A place to socialise, share interests and enjoy the comradeship while working shoulder to shoulder.

Maintaining our Assets

One of the things that I enjoy about coming to the Shed is that I can use good quality equipment which works when I want to use it.

A small group of volunteers maintain and repair our equipment in good working order for all of us to enjoy.

This often requires a considerable amount of knowledge, skill and time to ensure the equipment works correctly and is safe to use.

It is a big job made bigger by members who:

Don't ensure they know how to use the equipment correctly and safely
Use the equipment without regard to the damage they cause to the equipment
Decide they will alter the settings to suit their wishes and cause damage to the equipment
Ignore signs and directions attached to the equipment
Don't report issues with the equipment so that it is unusable for the next member
Don't return the equipment to the default settings.
Don't clean up the equipment so that it is readily usable by the next member to use.

The maintenance team are asking for help with the more routine maintenance that we can all do.

such as:

Leave the equipment clean and ready to be used by the next person
Check and empty waste bins as needed, wood or sawdust.
Report any issues with the equipment so that they can plan their time efficiently and get the equipment back in service as quickly as possible.

The new router has had a hard life since being purchased earlier this year. It appears to be from members assuming they know how to use this new equipment but alas significant damage has been done that has meant it has been out of action for extended periods of time.

Commission Jobs

We have a good crew of members with varying level of skills who have stepped up to undertake commission jobs for the Shed.

There are many stages and a variety of skills that go into these jobs. These guys work at a level they are comfortable with and learn new skills in the process.

This has always been a vital part of our fund raising, here are some of the recent jobs:

These 2 photos are of a glory box that Wayne Crivelone has designed and constructed as an item

for sale in our shop. He is being assisted here by Tony Goninan an active member for many years.

Graham Evelyn has faithfully restored these lovely half table. The carving relief was badly damaged and required extensive refurbishment. The work is a credit to his skill and patience.

Tony and Wayne sharing design ideas for the box lid.

This huge potting table is for a client who is a plant enthusiast. Louie and Rob are sharing skills and knowledge in its production.

Mark Kremisis is helping refurbish the benches and chairs in these 2 photos.

The usual crew of volunteers are refurbishing this outdoor furniture for Shearwater Lodge

Sudheer Massey has taken a break from making cutting boards and has made this side table for sale in the shop.

Steve Leary has taken on the task of refurbishing this doll's house for a client

Notice Board

Office Management

This is just a reminder to members that the Office volunteers do a mighty job.

The Shed is open 5 days a week from 7 am to around 2 pm.

The role includes:

Opening and closing the Shed
Processing payments for jobs etc.
Dealing with member enquires and issues
Managing a variety of office records
Answering phone inquiries
Sourcing, ordering, purchasing and often picking up consumables and maintenance supplies
Dealing with visitors and their enquiries
Processing membership applications etc
Processing and costing commission jobs
Processing member jobs
Receiving donated goods
Scheduling deliveries and pick ups by the Shed ute team.
Working on commission jobs
Cleaning when others don't do the right thing!

This is by no means an exhaustive list, just the things I observe while I am working on my role in the Office!

Often they are juggling a number of these activities at once. I for one don't know how they cope.

Many Sheds have limited hours because they can't find willing volunteers!

Our guys do it because they believe in the value of the Shed. They don't do it for money or the glory! This can also be said for all our committed members who volunteer to get things done for the Shed.

The job is made even harder by people like this member:

Who repeatedly turns up at the Shed with wood in hand, waltzes in, by-passes the Office, doesn't fill in any paperwork or discuss what they are doing or even say hi.

Head straight for the table saw and/or other equipment. Then waltzes back out of the Shed without cleaning up after themselves, leaving their mess to be cleaned up by either the next person or other volunteers.

Since the break in, there have been a number of cameras installed around the Shed which do capture this type of behaviour.

Using Fixed Machinery

All members are covered for injury while working at the Shed. as a major part of the membership fees. However, as part of the conditions for cover whilst using machinery we are required to induct members in the safe use of each fixed machine.

This applies to ALL members, non members are not permitted to operate any fixed machinery in the Shed due to liability and insurance issues, regardless of their expertise.

We acquire new machines from time to time and therefore you need to update your induction records/competency forms.

Recent acquisitions include a new bench router, drop saw, metal guillotine and press, a new jointer and circular saw. Recent grant monies have allowed for the purchase of a new bigger laser cutter and CNC and 2 new computers.

Ken Ryan conducts inductions for new members after smoko on a Thursday (book through office).

Existing members needing induction/refreshers on unfamiliar machines can also arrange this with Ken.

Ken inducting new member John Van-stroe

It is your responsibility to make sure that you are not using machines that you are not inducted or competent to use.

All members have induction records/competency forms kept in their file in the Office. It is important that you are signed off to use equipment in the Shed. In fact, it is a legal requirement for our insurance and accreditation.

These records must be kept up to date because the insurance company can refuse compensation claims for injury. They have the right to request access to these records in processing claims.

Report any problems with equipment to the Office so that it can be attended to.
Please don't attempt repairs or major adjustments without consulting the maintenance crew or the Office.
Always use the metal detector before cutting/thicknessing any second hand timber.

Strategic plan 2022 - 2025

During the consultation phase, members were invited to offer suggestions for additional activities and additional equipment purchases.

Many of the items have been achieved and the most significant are listed below.

• Large ceiling fans. $4,000
• Upgrade dust extraction equipment. $3,000
• Lift for rear of ute. $1,800
• Router table. $2,750
• Metal folder and guillotine. $6,450
• Shipping container for garage sale items. $3,190
• 100W Laser engraver. $4,520
• Powder coating machine. $440
• CNC router 1200mm X 2400mm $13,900
• 2 X computers $2,090

The funding for us to be able to purchase these items comes from several sources.
Since 2022 these are the major funding sources.

• Club Grants – Park Beach Bowls Club. $10,750
• NSW State Government LSCA Grant Program. $10,000
• Nan Cowling donation. $3,000
• Beach Bodies donation $3,220
• Toyota Material Handling donation. $5,000
• Bonville Golf Club donation. $3,500
• Pier Hotel/Rotary Calcutta donation. $5,325

We also connect with the community as part of our involvement for the community.
• Our musicians perform regularly for aged care facilities.
• Presentations have been made to VIEW Club, LIONS Club and several other community organisations.
• Bunnings BBQ’s.
• We have completed many projects for the Base Hospital, pre-schools and Coffs Council etc.

The next plan will need to be drawn up soon. Your suggestions will be sought during that process.

This is a recent acquisition, put together from new and old pieces; it is a small powder coating device

2023 Daily Cost to open the Shed door

Computer Expenses $ 1,196.91

Insurance (Members) $ 5,075.00

Insurance (Building) $ 4,079.91

Merchant Fees $ 399.00 (EFTPOS cost)

Motor Vehicle (Ute) $ 8,400.20

Power $ 3,701.70

Rent $ 801.12

Maintenance $ 3,970.26

Telephone $ 1,448.17

Water $ 429.36

Total $ 25,421.40

N. B. There are lots of day to day expenditures not included in this calculation.

Base costs breakdown:

Weekly $ 498.46 (51 weeks)

Daily $ 99.70 (255 days) - 5 days / week over 51 weeks)

Your membership fee covers the cost of the insurances! ($53 per member).

You are charged a job fee of $10 and for wood supplies at half the cost at Bunnings. Even though this wood has been donated to the Shed, it doesn't mean you are entitled to have it for nothing.

We need these contributions to help maintain the level of benefits all our members enjoy.

Also, donated wood is used extensively for commission jobs which saves us buying supplies and maximises our profit. e.g. old wooden fence palings are used to make items such as possum boxes which is commission work from Wires.

We are not looking to milk members, however running such a quality facility is expensive!

Grants and donations allow us to improve plant and equipment as per the Strategic Plan.

Important Reminders

There is a new FAQs sheet on the wall in the dining area to help inform members why things are done the way they are at the Shed. This signage helps explain the items below.

Remember to sign in and out, it allows the committee to monitor usage and safety officers to check off members in the case of emergencies including mandatory fire drills.

N.B. the donation box to the left of the sign on book. This is where you put your contribution towards tea and coffee etc.

Job Sheets MUST be filled in and filed with the Office before you start any work at the Shed. This is a common sense rule so that the Shed managers know what is happening in the Shed.

You will be advised of any job charges at this time, usually $10, for the use of consumables eg. glue, screws, nails, sandpaper etc. and equipment maintenance, for that whole job, no matter how long it takes you.

Donated wood etc is used extensively for commission jobs, thus value adding, which helps offset the costs of running the Shed. If you wish to purchase/use wood etc for your job, please ask at the Office FIRST.

A member found a nice piece of cedar, in the shape of a large table leg, in the stores. He cut it up, without asking, for a job he wanted to make for himself.

It turned out that it was the leg off a full sized billiard table which was a restoration job!

Materials are generally sold at half the retail price, however, if used without consultation then full retail/replacement price will be charged.

Members also store wood for projects at the Shed and will be justifiably upset if members use or cut up their material.

It is often unreasonable to expect to cut off a smaller piece from a larger usable length and expect to pay just for the piece you desire. You may be asked to try your luck at Bunnings.

There is a simple rule at the Shed: leave equipment and work spaces as you would LIKE to find them.

Please be considerate when using common areas such as the kitchen and toilets. Other members have to clean up these areas, as your servant doesn't work here!

A new cleaning roster has been drawn up with all members names placed on the roster. The roster can found under the Sign On book. Please check to see when your turn arises, as this takes the burden off the few. Just check out the mug draws to see how it is going!

Tea and coffee etc are provided as a courtesy. A donation of $2 towards costs is expected and appreciated as you sign in. The donation box is next to the Sign On book.

This gives you a bottomless cup throughout the day, which is a great deal in anybodies eyes. The Shed outlays about $150/month for Tea, Coffee.

This doesn't include the cost of milk, sugar, butter, sauces, bottled water etc., or the costs of cleaning materials to endeavour to keep the area fit for purpose.

An increasing number of members are opting not to stop for breaks during the day. These breaks are important as a social occasion and to refresh the mind and body. No work noise should occur for at least 20 minutes during breaks.

We have asked OZ Harvest not to bring supplies to the Shed considering the large number of homeless and community members doing it tough.

Nobody likes to feel that they are just being used or treated like a mug and the same goes for the Shed management committee and committed volunteers.

The Shed can only survive if the members take an active interest in maintaining the principles and values of the Shed.

Our Community

Tool Box meetings are held at morning tea times during the week following the committee meeting (2nd Thursday monthly) to give feedback to members about issues being dealt with at these meetings.

Free member luncheons have been well received and will continue to be provided every month, on the 3rd Tuesday, as an initiative to promote social interaction away from the tools. These luncheons are subsidised by Woolworths and Dominos Pizzas. Meals will alternate between sausages and pizza.

Members meetings are held every 3 months before the member luncheon, again to keep members informed about goings on at the Shed, as well as giving members the opportunity to ask questions.

Music group (Shedmen) is proving to be very popular with different genre jams most days.

Card players euchre/500/crib are being played by an increasing number of members during breaks. All are welcome to take part whether you are a novice or an experienced player.

Guest speakers/interest groups are invited periodically or we engage with community groups to keep our community aware of our aims.

New Management 2024 (voluntary)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President: Robert Houston

Vice President: Ken Ryan

Secretary: Tony Winter

Treasurer: Garth Howard

Assistant Treasurer: Ken Ryan

GENERAL COMMITTEE

David Churchyard

Alan Cook
Peter Jackson
Ken Howe
Doug Tysoe
Brian Franklin

OPERATIONAL MANAGERS

Shed Managers & Office Administration:

Robert Houston
David Churchyard

Health & Welfare Officers:

Ken Ryan
Ken Howe

Woodwork:

Robert & Dave

Metalwork / Engineering:

Peter Jackson

Equipment Maintenance:

Alan Cook

Ken Ryan
Brian Franklin

Music Group - The Shedmen:

Vern McAlpine

Garage Sales:

Murray Smith

Paul Fitzgerald

Newsletter/Website:

Tony Winter

Brian Adam

Life Members:

Derek King Scott

Peter Jackson

Ken Howe

Ken Ryan

Robert Houston

Supporters of the Coffs Harbour Men's Shed

The Coffs Harbour Community Men's Shed wishes to thank all our supporters, both large and small,
for their ongoing support and generous donations of time and money.