Date April 2026
Issue No 1
Extract of a letter from Paul.
As I announced at the end of the committee meeting last Thursday16/04/2026 I will resign from the committee and as president of this Shed. I resign from all functions on Thursday 13 /5/26 at the end of the committee meeting.
This decision was not made lightly. My time here has been deeply rewarding. We realized together with the committee great things, the shed has been growing and prospering. Thanks to the guidance of yourselves and all the members. I will always be grateful for the collaborative spirit and the friendships along the way.
Please know that I will ensuring a smooth transition, with all the help you need; banking, transfer of documents and wrapping up ongoing projects.
I will still be a member of the shed.
Paul’s contribution to the development of the LMS has been outstanding and during his presidency we have seen the building of the new shed, the extension of our grounds, the new well equipped metalwork shop, solar power, new CNC Router, new machinery throughout, provision of a separate power supply, the new forklift, improved marketing and many other improvements that benefit the members. We also won the Active Citizenship Award from the Shire.
The committee is calling for a member to take on the role of Newsletter Editor to collate information and photos for regular communication with members. If you are interested, please speak with the Secretary.
The shed will have a 20kW battery installed to store electricity generated in the afternoons to offset power consumption in the mornings. Plico are engaged as contractors for this work and a decision has been made by the committee to fund this from our own financial resources to take advantage of the 30% rebates which end at the end of April. The cost of the battery is $10,000 and it is anticipated that the savings will pay for this in the first 3-5 years.
A second axle is being fitted to the large trailer to improve carrying capacity. This work is being done in house by our metal work section. The cost of parts being $844.00.
These have recommenced on the last Friday of the month commencing at 5.30 approximately. Please see Mitch for details.
Following the resignation of our IT Manager the shed has engaged Mr Christiaan Burger, IT Coordinator at the Harvey Shire Council to assist in upgrading our IT capacity. Mr Burger has generously offered to perform this task at no cost to LMS and we are grateful for his help.
The shed has now achieved internet and VOIP accessibility after a short hiatus and our communication systems are now working satisfactorily.
The upgrade will change the present data storage to a “cloud” format with backup capacity using Microsoft 365 software. This software allows off site access by committee members which facilitates working from home which is a bonus for administrative staff.
It also allows for document sharing and a range of other capacities using the SharePoint application.
Concurrently we are assuming hosting control of our DNS (Domain Name System) currently managed by WebCentral. The DNS is like the phone book of the internet and enables web browsing, network connectivity and email communication. This will overcome the problems we have had with email communication which was previously hosted by WebCentral.
We are also examining the expanded use of our website and intend to publish the newsletter on the site which will be accessible to all members. (hardcopies will still be made available at the shed for members without website access) Additionally we hope to have committee and AGM minutes published on the website including financial reports.
Australian Men’s Shed Insurance has been paid which covers members, equipment, stock and public liability insurance at a cost of $28.50 per member.
Building Insurance is paid by the Shire of Harvey and we are charged for that at a percentage of their entire insurance cost. Member cover extends to journeys to and from the shed.
The shed has engaged in a number of major projects for the City of Bunbury Art Gallery and Aboriginal Art Gallery. These will realise significant revenue to the shed and the assistance of members completing this work is appreciated.
The Shire of Harvey generously granted the shed an interest free loan of $20,000 to purchase the fork lift which we will repay of 5 years at a cost of $2000 every 6 months.
The forklift has proved a significant labour-saving investment for the shed.
To improve member participation a non – committee member is invited to sit in on all committee meetings. In addition, it is intended to install a suggestion box so members can input their ideas to the committee for consideration
One of our major weaknesses is the number of day supervisors we have available. This is an important role and while the duties are not onerous, they are important. If you are approached to take on this role, please give it serious consideration as the shed should not be operating without a day supervisor present.
After consideration of the extensive role of the shed and our existing and intended programs, the committee has adopted a Business Plan for the coming 12 months and allocated responsibilities to members to manage our ongoing operations. A copy of the plan is attached and will also feature on our website. Please take time to read the Business Plan and be aware of the improvements being planned or currently in progress.
A complaint has been received from members that photographs were taken of them and other activities without their consent. The committee consider this to be an infringement of a person’s privacy and is to be discouraged. While there are good reasons to take photographs to record history, personal achievements and social events, the reason for recording events should be transparent. For this reason, the committee have adopted a policy that committee approval should be sought to take photos of members and activities. Such approval will be provided for bona fide purposes with the approval of the individual concerned.
Many members of the shed carry out projects to raise funds to support our ongoing operations. Likewise, around 12 – 14 members support the fundraising at Bunnings sausage sizzles.
Currently pallet timber is provided free of charge and other timber at a substantially reduced cost when compared to the cost of similar material at Bunnings or from Speciality Timbers in Perth.
Some members provide their own material, and consumables at their own cost.
Members have been asked to fill in a yellow form and submit it for costing to the office to ensure an equitable contribution is made.
We now operate the E waste collection service for which we receive 450 per bin collected. The service is available to the public when we are open (Mornings only)
The following is a list of acceptable and unacceptable items.
Following a recent incident with the forklift, damage to cables on mast, modifications were carried out to protect the hydraulic block by designing and installing a protective shield. Fork lift drivers should ensure they complete the prestart documentation prior to use.
| Strategy | Objective | Methodology | Person Responsible | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IT System Review | To improve functionality and connectivity and provide enhanced security | Develop new operating protocols for IT, Provide remote access Install second attendance monitor in new shed Assist with material upload for website. |
consultant and Eliot Fisher, Mick Byrne Rob Spence (See It Report) |
Additional hardware
Cost of consultant
Maintain existing internet services and VOIP Cost estimate to be provided and funded from operating budget when approved. |
| Communications | To provide effective VOIP service | Assess current functionality with VOIP Wholesale. If necessary seek new provider | Mick Byrnes | Operating Budget Currently $20.85 per month |
| Electricity | To reduce energy costs and maximise renewable energy opportunities | Install 20kW battery | Paul Fonck | Estimated cost $ 10K Funded in part by Shire Grant. Balance from operating budget |
| Marketing | To expand opportunities for marketing LMS products | Install display cabinets in retail outlets Facebook advertising Promote shop at shed |
Paul Fonck Vern Wiess/Paul Fonck |
Advertising open days on community radio and with posters and signs Email to kindred organisations CWA, Solaris, Day Care centres, Morrisey |
| Community Relations | To showcase LMS as a community organisation providing services in accord with the aims of the Men’s Shed principles | Early Riser Breakfasts Open Days Men’s Health Talks Other guest speakers Seek assistance from Shire of Harvey to promote LMS activities Posters in shopping centres |
Robert St Duke Allan Stidworthy Eliot Fisher Eliot Fisher Paul Fonck |
Estimated $75 per event |
| E-Waste Management | To provide storage facilities for E-Waste collection from members and community | Provide space for E-Waste bins to be supplied by E-Waste recycler. Supply and collection of bins by recycler | Peter Fairall | Payment to LMS for filled bins $50 each |
| Member Support | To enhance member services, communication and information sharing | Review structure of Bi Monthly meeting/Bloke’s Day to include toolbox talk, guest speaker, President’s report and sausage sizzle Provide quarterly newsletter via email Arrange 3 bus trips for members to visit other sheds Provide suggestion box and suggestion forms |
Committee Changes including Regional Men’s Health Initiative WAMSA Police community liaison Phil Smith Peter Fairall |
Estimated $70 per event Allow cost of fuel $100 per event |
| Safety | To improve safety awareness and minimise accidents | Continue new induction process, Introduce new evacuation procedure. Provide fork lift training Provide CPR and Defibrillator training |
Chris Arnold Eliot Fisher Chris Arnold Chris Arnold |
Allow $200 Allow $250 per licence Allow $250 |
| Purchasing | To prepare a list of preferred suppliers, create credit accounts and ensure best prices for purchases | Review present arrangements and identify major purchase items, costs and discounts | Don Simpson | |
| Supervision | To improve day supervision arrangements | Review present arrangements and consider alternatives | Robert St Duke | |
| Machine Maintenance | To establish a program for machine inspection and maintenance. | Establish a maintenance team and protocols for effective maintenance and damage prevention | Vern Wiess and team |
