A WORD FROM PRESIDENT IAN PHILLPS
After approximately a year serving as Vice President, I received the honour of being nominated and accepted as President at the 2024 AGM.
My thanks and congratulations go to Dale and his committee for the sterling job they have done over the past two years, and I look forward to their support as I take over the challenges of the role. They have left me with a very financially strong and viable Men’s Shed with a good membership base and culture and large and well equipped buildings.
Sadly, we have farewelled two past Presidents during the ensuing period, one of our founding fathers Garry Pettitt and Mike Newman, who both contributed so much to our organization. Again, our condolences go to their families.
I am indeed fortunate to have such a great team of key people supporting me, Albert has agreed to continue his great work in the Secretary, Peter keeps us all under financial control by channelling Stan and we welcome Barry Kelly to the Vice President’s role as well as heading up the wood working area. It is so gratifying to see so many sharing the load to keep the Shed functioning at the high level left by the previous team. Nic has stepped in to take a little of the load off Peter, Dale has taken the role of Membership Coordinator, Andrew Wilson has very successfully taken over the role of Grants Officer after many years of great work by Nat Perri. Thank you, Nat. Stephen is ably assisting Kevin in the very necessary Maintenance area, Jimmy Moffat continues his great work in gaining sponsorship, and Andrew Tait is assisting Pete Hobbs in welfare. If you become aware of one of our members who may need support and encouragement to recover from accident or illness, please contact Pete or Andrew. Our Patron and most recent Life Membership recipient Milton Oliver is always more than happy to assist with all things contentious and with legal implications. My sincere thanks to the entire committee and to all members for your contributions and generous support.
Late in 2023 we received a very generous donation from the Millett family partially in recognition of their patriarch Tom Millett who was a member of the Shed for some years. Utilizing these funds has enabled us to replace some aging equipment including the thicknesser, router, panel saw, welder and purchase a laser cutter which will enhance the range of products we can produce and our income stream. Don’t forget, unlike may Men’s Sheds, we are self-funded so need a continuous income from sale of products both manufactured and donated plus of course the Garage Sales and Bunnings Sausage Sizzles to supplement the grants received. We are all volunteers with lives outside the Men’s Shed so please don’t hesitate to help if you see an opportunity and spread the load.