A WORD FROM PRESIDENT BARRY KELLY

After serving 2 years as Vice President, I was elected president at the 2026 Annual General Meeting.

Firstly, a big thank you to Ian Phillips who led the shed for the past 2 years. Again, this year we have a great committee to serve the shed. After several years on the committee, Kevin Swaffield has stepped down as committee member and we welcome Andrew Wilson to the team.

Our team this year consist of Nic Germano as vice president, Albert Achterberg as secretary, Peter Canning as treasurer, Dale Wilkes assistant secretary, Andrew Tait Assistant treasurer, Stephen King, Andrew Wilson, Ted Riley and Ian Phillips as committee members and Milton Oliver and representative of Compassion North.

I have always lived in the western suburbs of Melbourne, growing up in Maidstone and Footscray areas. For most of my working life Marion and I Lived in Niddrie and East Keilor suburbs. We moved to Sunbury in2010 as I approached retirement after spending just over 50 years in the building industry.

I have been involved in the shed for many years and seen the positive things that the shed provides for its members. Since joining the shed I am enjoying the companionship of members and the chance to keep up some old skills and learning new ones.

Members enjoy the shed whether they just have a cuppa and a chat or get involved in other activities like woodworking, metal work, welding or gardening. Every month we have a guest speaker. Last year we did several outings around the area, and this year more trips are planned.

We are very proud of our shed with a membership of nearly 100 members. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday an average of 30 to 40 members turn up at the shed.

Barry Kelly