The SHEDDER

FEBRUARY 2017

The SHEDDER The official newsletter of the Australian Men’s Shed Association www.mensshed.org

Thanks to the handy work of sheds, Buddy Benches are springing up in schools across Australia—giving more young people

the chance to build friendships and combat the isolation felt by bullying.

Most recently, Buddy Benches handcrafted by the Coral Coast Men’s Shed have been delivered to six schools across the

Queensland electorate of Burnett.

State MP Stephen Bennett enlisted the help of the Coral Coast Men’s Shed to manufacture the wooden Buddy Benches as part of a growing campaign to encourage friendships in the playground and stamp out bullying.

The Buddy Benches provide young people with a safe, comforting place to go when they are feeling lonely and in need of a friend.

“Our local schools are doing a wonderful job in promoting anti-bullying messages and fostering inclusive friendships. These Buddy Benches compliment what the schools are already teaching in and outside of the classroom,” Mr Bennett said.

“Such a simple connection can do so much to boost the confidence of a lonely child.”

Mr Bennett thanked the local men’s shed for getting involved in the Buddy Bench project.

“Our local Men’s Sheds have worked really hard and done a wonderful job in crafting these Buddy Benches,” Mr Bennett said.

A total of 18 schools across the Burnett region will receive a new Buddy Bench.

The

Shedder BUDDY BENCHES BUILDING FRIENDSHIPS

February 2017

Testing the bench (L TO R): Stewart (Coral Coast Men’s Shed); Matt (Cordalba Primary School); Graham (Coral Coast Men’s Shed); Stephen Bennett (MP Burnett)

The SHEDDER

FEBRUARY 2017

The SHEDDER The official newsletter of the Australian Men’s Shed Association www.mensshed.org

David Helmers

Celebrating ten years of AMSA

This year marks ten years since the foundations were laid for the Australian Men’s Shed Association, with the

organisation formally registered on 22 January 2007. The same year also hosted the Manly Men’s Shed Conference

— where the first working committee of AMSA was established. At the time it was estimated that there were less

than 100 Men’s Sheds in operation nationally. Ten years later there are now 987 Men’s Sheds from across Australia

registered with AMSA and over 700 more Men’s Sheds operating worldwide.

To celebrate our 10th anniversary, in partnership with our Parliamentary Bipartisan Friendship Group Friends of

Men’s Sheds we will hold Men’s Shed Week beginning Monday 25 September and wrapping up at our National

Men’s Shed Conference on Sunday 1 October.

Our 7th National Men’s Shed Conference will be held at the Mantra on View Hotel, Surfers Paradise. The conference

theme Onwards and Upwards—Share. Talk. Discover., marks a new era in our conferences. As Men’s Sheds have

evolved, so has our premier event which will focus on learning and sharing and will cover a wide range of relevant

subjects for current Men’s Shed operations and management. Start planning ahead so you can lock in the dates, we

look forward to seeing you there.

The growth of the Men’s Shed movement is nothing short of a phenomenon. As this year marks my 11th year of

involvement in Men’s Sheds, reflecting back on our brief but successful past not only evokes some nostalgic

memories but also makes me realise the true privilege of watching this movement grow from conception to where

we are today. This also applies for AMSA staff members Liz MacDonald and Gary Green, who have been involved in

Men’s Sheds well prior to 2006.

Our AMSA team is very passionate about Men’s Sheds, and about growing and increasing our capacity to provide

second-to-none programs and services to Men’s Sheds. So on that note, I would like to introduce you to Emma

Avery—our newest team member. Emma has taken on the role of Communications and Relationships Manager and

is a valuable asset to our organisation. Emma will have a great deal of contact with shedders over the coming year

as she will be coordinating our events and distributing communications to you all. Make sure you give her a warm

shed welcome when you meet her.

All of us at AMSA are looking forward to a successful year supporting the growth and development of sheds all

around Australia—and beyond!

Yours in shedding,

David

Dear Shedders,

Welcome to a New Year of shedding; 2017 is set to bring many new initiatives and

exciting events.

The SHEDDER

FEBRUARY 2017

The SHEDDER The official newsletter of the Australian Men’s Shed Association www.mensshed.org

Our 7th National Men’s Shed Conference recognises the evolution of the Men’s

Shed movement with a focus on grassroots shed operations and

sustainability – to support the continued growth and success of your shed.

ONWARDS & UPWARDS AT THE

7TH NATIONAL MEN’S SHED CONFERENCE

Interactive conference sessions will encourage delegates to come together to share their

lessons, talk in depth about experiences and discover ways to grow the success of their

shed.

Enjoy breakfast, shed tours and a social welcome reception on Friday, three streams of

conference sessions and an exciting conference dinner on Saturday and cap it off with the

close of Men’s Shed Week and our 7th National Conference on Sunday.

This conference will be one not to be missed!

Registration information coming soon Register you expression of interest here or visit the AMSA website.

The SHEDDER

FEBRUARY 2017

The SHEDDER The official newsletter of the Australian Men’s Shed Association www.mensshed.org

ARE YOU PROTECTED IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG?

We’re here to help ensure your shed and shed members are protected if something goes wrong which is why we strive to provide you with a premium product that leaves nothing to chance.

A key achievement in AMSA’s history is the development of the Group Insurance Scheme, tailored specifically to Men’s Sheds—including Public and Product Liability, Contents and Building Insurance— at affordable rates.

The AMSA Group Insurance Scheme package falls due on 28 February 2017, and can be renewed using an even easier renewal process than previous years.

At no extra cost to you, we’ve achieved some additional benefits this year...

Chubb Insurance Australia Ltd have come on board as our Public & Products Liability insurer (replacing Prorisk Underwriting) to solidify the Chubb relationship and provide synergy between the coverages.

Insurance cover costs have remained the same for the past three years—$24 per member including all statutory charges. We’ve been able to achieve these outcomes through negotiations with Everest Risk Group, as well as our increased buying power (over 95% of Men’s Sheds subscribe to the Group Insurance Scheme policy). Membership to AMSA for Level 1 sheds also remains at $50 per shed.

There is no manual paperwork to complete when lodging a property (ISR) claim. Simply claim online and receive an instant copy of your claim. Instructions for this, and all other common questions are in the Frequently Asked Question Guide.

Voluntary Workers Personal Accidental Death Benefit increased from $50,000 to $150,000 (reducing death benefits apply for these members 75 years of age and older).

Removal of age limits for the Voluntary Workers Personal Accident policy. So all members, no matter their age, will enjoy coverage under the Volunteers Personal Accident policy.

Addition of Fusion cover up to $2,000 any one claim for machinery under 10 years old.

You may remember that last year the excess for burglary claims went from $500 to $1,000 per claim. As we have had many claims again in 2016, in a bid to keep the policy at an affordable rate across all sheds the excess has been increased only for those sheds whom have had a burglary in the previous 12 months.

This means that if your shed has had a burglary in the last 12 months, your excess will now be $1,500. For all other sheds, the excess remains at $1,000 for the first claim. All sheds should be doing their absolute best to keep the shed and property secure, particularly after a burglary has occurred.

While we recommend you purchase the AMSA Group Insurance Scheme policy, as it is tailored for the benefit of Men’s Sheds, we understand the need to compare products. Whilst we can’t tell you what others offer, we can tell you what your AMSA policy covers. We ask you to ensure these benefits are automatically provided in other poli-cies you may be considering.

Be aware that some products offer same or similar benefits—but at a cost. Or, automatic coverage for all activities or members may not be included. In this case, if you forget to declare an activity or changes to membership , you may be left in the cold at claims time.

AMSA Group Insurance Scheme

The SHEDDER

FEBRUARY 2017

The SHEDDER The official newsletter of the Australian Men’s Shed Association www.mensshed.org

Advantages of the AMSA Group Insurance Scheme

One declaration of member numbers per year – the AMSA Group Insurance Scheme policy automatically covers new members who join between insurance periods. Please ensure member numbers are accurately declared at the time of application.

Unlimited upper age coverage for Voluntary Workers Personal Accident.

Ordinary shed activities are clearly listed, in broad language, on the policy, including small motor repair, bicycle riding, mentoring etc. In other policies we have seen the requirement to notify/request coverage for activities, and this has become onerous and expensive for shedders to do on an individual basis.

Automatic cover for building and contents up to a total replacement value (new for old) of $100,000 – no need to declare which you are insuring. If required, contact Everest Risk Group for provisions for extra cover.

The total cost per member is inclusive of GST and all charges. You may find competitive products claiming to be the same but are not inclusive of GST, making the end purchase more expensive.

You are provided policies which are relevant to Men’s Sheds and provide coverages with affordable excesses. Be aware of dazzling figures which do not apply to the shed and always check your excesses.

Easy access to our qualified insurance advisors to ask any relevant questions.

The maintenance and facilitation of the AMSA Group Insurance Scheme is a significant task but it’s a vitally impor-tant one. The AMSA Group Insurance Scheme exists for the benefit of sheds and shed members to provide peace of mind and, most importantly, to allow you to get on with what you want to do –working in a Men’s Shed!

Apply for the 2017 – 2018 member insurance package

online here or visit https://form.jotform.co/EverestRG/amsa-application.

AMSA recommends that you read all product disclosure statements and ensure that any insurance advice you seek is from a certified general insurance advisor.

The SHEDDER

FEBRUARY 2017

The SHEDDER The official newsletter of the Australian Men’s Shed Association www.mensshed.org

As the time draws near for our children to return to or

begin school, one of the biggest anxieties of the children

and particularly of parents is the possibility of bullying.

What do we do about this scourge as caring parents and

a caring community?

One of the things we try and do is build capacity in our

children to be resilient and bounce back. We also teach

them strategies that help our little people identify what

is bullying behaviour and what to do when they are

uncomfortable with that behaviour. That usually means

telling someone who is in a position to deal with the

problem; a teacher, a parent, the peer group. Once

bullying behaviour is named, it can be

investigated. Strategies can immediately be activated to

protect and support the vulnerable person and, identify,

challenge and set boundaries around the perpetrator.

Once those crucial steps are taken it may be possible to

educate for empathy-building in the perpetrator.

But what happens when bullying occurs between adults?

What ought to happen is the immediate support for the

person being victimised, a closing of ranks to show the

bully that bullying behaviour will not be accepted and

setting of boundaries around the bullying person to

ensure harmony. Not much different to what we expect

as a response from our schools. Too often the response

in adults is that the victim is to blame – ‘it’s up to the

victim to handle it’. But what if the victim is traumatised

or too intimidated to cope, let alone take steps to shut

down the situation?

My experience of bullying is that it is a real problem in

our churches, clubs, employment and even families.

Bullying can raise its ugly head in any community setting

and can be perpetrated by the most “respectable”

person or group. Some manipulative people who bully

are so good that no one but the victim would suspect.

Their behaviour is harmful. Bullies intend it to be. Their

behaviour is extremely dangerous to vulnerable people,

affecting mental and physical wellbeing. We only need

to look at the recent example of the affect bullying has

had on AFL football identity James Hird.

Bullying behaviours can range from exclusion, put

downs, harassment, physical attack, gossip, slanderous

activities and encouraging others to join the attack

through social media and other networks. The

psychological effects can cause withdrawal, ostracise

and isolate people, can undermine self esteem,

undermine the truth and ultimately damage democracy.

So what are we going to do about it? The only answer is

– don’t be a bystander. Taking a line from John Farnham

“We’re not goin’ to live in silence, we’re not goin’ to live

in fear” ...if you experience or are aware bullying

behaviour – identify it – don’t be silent, take it to the

committee of your organisation and have it dealt with.

Nip it in the bud. If your organisation doesn’t have a

strong code of conduct that includes an anti-bullying

policy, call on them to put one in place. Let’s face it,

sooner or later the public become aware of the bullies

and where they entrench themselves and most people

choose to walk away or not join, resulting in the decline

of the organisation.

My call for the New Year is to look out for bullying in all

forms – identify it for what it is, support those who are

being bullied and place boundaries around the person

with bullying behaviour. Make sure your organisation

has a strong code of conduct that addresses bullying and

remember; defeating the behaviour of bullying is not the

responsibility of the vulnerable it is your responsibility;

don’t be a bystander.

Steve Joblin is a member of Flowerdale Men’s Shed

(Victoria). Steve enjoys spending time engaged in his im-

proving his community, he also acts as the President of

Flowerdale Landcare and the secretary of Flowerdale

Community House.

DON’T BE A BYSTANDER Steve Joblin

The SHEDDER

FEBRUARY 2017

The SHEDDER The official newsletter of the Australian Men’s Shed Association www.mensshed.org

DARETON MEN IN A SHED

COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR

At the Wentworth Shire Australia Day Awards last month the Dareton Men in a Shed (NSW) was awarded the Community Group of the Year for 2016.

The Wentworth Shire Council Australia Day Awards recognise amazing people and community groups who have assisted in making the Wentworth Shire a wonderful community.

In its 11 year history, the Dareton Men in a Shed has gone from strength to strength—the shed has grown from 18 to 42 members (with eight applications pending) and boasts growing diversity across the shed membership.

The Dareton Men in a Shed members continue to work tirelessly to build their presence in the local community. The members hold monthly workshops with residents of Murray House (the local aged care facility), assist the local school with repairs and fundraising activities, carry out maintenance repairs for members of the community, run sausage sizzles at local street markets and even assist Wentworth Shire Council for bits and pieces when required.

“We are a very community focused group... assistance from local businesses has enabled us to get to where we are,” said Merv Wescombe from Dareton Men in a Shed.

Back at the shed the members partake in what you’d expect to find in a Men’s Shed, as well as specialising in the restoration of local historical machinery such as tractors and trench digging implements used in during the days of early settlement.

The shed is currently working on two restoration projects; a 75 tonne engine generator originally used in a local winery years ago and a cabin cruiser boat originally owned by an early settler, left to rot for many years.

“Our long term objective is to open up our workshop [and display restored] machinery to attract tourism to the area,” Merv said.

The Dareton Men in a Shed plan to work alongside the Aboriginal Arts and Craft shop (next door) in the venture.

Pictured: The Dareton Men in a Shed members at their shed with their Community Group of the Year certificate.

The SHEDDER

FEBRUARY 2017

The SHEDDER The official newsletter of the Australian Men’s Shed Association www.mensshed.org

SHED FUNDING

National Shed Development Programme

NSDP Round 14 closed on Friday 13 January and applications are currently being processed and reviewed. A formal announcement of successful applicants and the release of grant outcomes will be made available on the AMSA website on Monday 8 May 2017. All applicants will be formally informed of outcomes and successful applicants provided with Letters of Offer by Wednesday 15 May. NSDP Round 15 will open on Monday 5 June. Start thinking about potential applications now so that you have time to gather required information and organise any quotations if required. We encourage all sheds to consider making an application under Category Three ‘Health Improvement Activities’ to plan and deliver health activities and events such as a regional health gathering, guest speakers or seminars. AMSA has developed a manual and supporting documents to assist you in organising a regional health event, available on our website. To access information relating to the NSDP click on the ‘Funding’ picture icon on the AMSA website or contact us via email amsa@mensshed.net or call 1300 550 009.

Small Grants for Rural Communities (Round 31) Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal http://www.frrr.org.au/grants/small-grants-for-rural-communities-round31 Amount: Up to $5,000 Closes: 31 March 2017 The Programme provides funds for projects and activities that offer clear public benefit for communities with popu-lations of 10,000 or less, living in small rural and remote locations in Australia.

Grant Guru

Don’t forget to check Grant Guru (http://community.grantready.com.au/) for a large searchable list of nationwide grants and funding programmes for community based and not for profit organisations.

Last month we shared general information about the eligibility of Men’s Sheds to be registered as charities with the

Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).

Visit the fact sheet on our website created by the ACNC if you need information about registration as a charity.

The fact sheet provides links to key content on the ACNC website, to assist current and future Men’s Sheds in their

registration with the ACNC.

REGISTERING YOUR SHED AS A CHARITY

The SHEDDER

FEBRUARY 2017

The SHEDDER The official newsletter of the Australian Men’s Shed Association www.mensshed.org

BETTER BBQ-ING from Any Mug’s Cook Book

This month the Dietitians Association of Australia wants to get Aussies eating better and feeling healthier!

Dietitians around the country are hosting events during the 10th annual Australia’s Healthy Weight Week.

Find out what’s happening near you by visiting www.healthyweightweek.com.au.

Sausage sizzles are an essential part of Aussie life and with a little imagination you can make them healthier too!

The Heart Foundation advises us to:

Add plenty of vegetables such as corn-on-the-cob and mushrooms to the barbeque. Feel free to use your imagination! Visit Any Mug’s Cook Book on the AMSA website for some ideas.

Look for the Heart Foundation Tick approved sausages and burgers.

Remove the excess fat from meat before you cook it and pierce sau-sages when they are partly cooked so that the fat runs out.

Serve interesting salads. For recipes, visit the Heart Foundation online or find one in the Any Mug’s Cook Book.

Serve with a variety of breads and rolls such as wholemeal and wholegrain.

Serve with a variety of low salt sauces or use condiments such as chutney, mustard or horseradish.

Serve water.

The SHEDDER

FEBRUARY 2017

The SHEDDER The official newsletter of the Australian Men’s Shed Association www.mensshed.org

Buderim shed join with Woombye Light Horse

troop for remarkable display of craftsmanship

Buderim Men's Shed (QLD) members have displayed their remarkable craftsmanship in a project for the Woombye Light Horse Troop.

Last year the Woombye horsemen found themselves in a fix after one of their two lances broke, which meant they couldn't feature their usual flag display on ceremonial occasions.

Unable to source the replacement lances from inside Australia, the troop's president Ian Malcolm turned to the Men's Shed for help.

"Without the lances, we have nothing to carry the Australian or New Zealand flag,” he said.

"It actually means a lot to people to have them there.”

Fortunately, a number of blokes from the shed declared themselves up for the challenge and have been working tirelessly on crafting them. The shed's vice-president Barry Cheales said it hadn't been easy but they were happy to work with the troop again after such a successful joint effort in establishing the Woombye Light Horse Memorial in 2015.

The job required the shed to fashion its own lathe to make the lances, as existing equipment couldn't handle the lance length.

Mr Malcolm said he appreciated all the effort the team had gone to.

"They've done a really great job on it at this point and the finished product will be fantastic,” he said.

"Hats off to the Buderim Men's Shed!”

Story as seen in the Sunshine Coast Daily.

A complete review of AMSA resources was undertaken last year. On our website, there are over 240 resources available and over the next few weeks we will be uploading the revised editions. To find Shed Resources click on the ‘Shed Resources’ picture icon. Don’t forget you will need to be logged into the Members Section to gain access.

For further information email amsa@mensshed.net or call 1300 550 009.

SHED RESOURCES UPDATED

The SHEDDER

FEBRUARY 2017

The SHEDDER The official newsletter of the Australian Men’s Shed Association www.mensshed.org

AMSA Communications & Relationship Manager

Emma Avery

Hello Shedders! I’m excited to have recently joined AMSA as Communications & Relationship Manager.

What does that mean? Well, my main role here at AMSA is to share the Men’s Shed story with the world—literally!

I can see there are lots of great stories to tell, so I’m fairly confident that with your help we’ll knock it out of the

park.

I’m also here to work with the AMSA team and corporate and community partners to help make your shed

experience an even better one. In the months to come, I will be working hard to build on the great relationships

AMSA has with partners to enable us to bring you events, programs and initiatives that improve your shed

experience and your health and wellbeing.

I’ve had a little experience with Men’s Sheds but I’ve got lots to learn from you, so I look forward to chatting with

you soon—and I hope to see you at the National Conference later this year. We’ve got some exciting things in

store!

The Forest Community Men’s Shed (NSW) are in desperate need of two Microclene MC1210 Dust

Filters. The Australian distributor is no longer able to supply the filters and the shed has had them on

back order for six months.

If any shed has a second hand unit they may be willing to sell, the shed would appreciate any offers of

assistance. Contact the shed on email at forestmensshed@gmail.com

Tim O’Sullivan

President, Forest Community Men’s Shed

WANTED!

The SHEDDER

FEBRUARY 2017

The SHEDDER The official newsletter of the Australian Men’s Shed Association www.mensshed.org

Share your shed story

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

STAY IN TOUCH

Location 66 King Street

Newcastle NSW 2300

Postal Address PO Box 793

The Junction NSW 2291

Phone 1300 550 009

Email amsa@mensshed.net

Website www.mensshed.org

Every shed has a story, experience or advice to share with the Men’s Shed network, and we’re on the lookout to do

just that!

We want you to let us know about what’s happening at your shed, in your community, what the shed is doing to

improve health and wellbeing of your members, or what you’ve found that could benefit the Men’s Shed network.

Send us your shed stories via email amsa@mensshed.net with the details.