PRESIDENT’S REPORT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 13 MARCH 2017
Welcome to the 2017 Annual General Meeting (AGM), as this meeting opens it is appropriate that we reflect on the recent passing of Bill Wormwell in January this year. Bill was our fourth member to pass away since our interception in 2012. Previous members that predeceased him were Richard Nairn, Claude Whillock and Gordon Barnes. Bill enthralled many of us with his stories of time spent in the bush and cattle droving. Bill will be sadly missed by his family and many friends. I know that Robert Stammers was especially close to Bill, often going fishing with him. On behalf of the shed members, I have expressed our condolences to his family.
I also welcome all our new members who have joined since the last AGM. Our current financial membership has increased dramatically. I am advised by the Treasurer Peter Wilson that our financial position is quite sound, however there is the proviso, that we do have a number of accounts coming up in the near future and that we still need to judicious as to how we spend the finances.
The main focus of the executive during the reporting period was to ensure that all the necessary requirements were met to have Toowoomba Regional Council Property Services approve the sheds’, building compliance and accordingly issue the relevant paperwork to occupy the building permanently. I am pleased to report that this was achieved. The focus now will be on improving our shed and the surrounding landscape. There are a number of tasks which will need to be prioritised, for example a storage shed for the timber, enclosure of the patio for the metal work area and the installation of the dust extraction system.
In addition you will have noticed that several items of machinery and tools have been purchased to upgrade the standard of our existing equipment. This replacing or upgrading equipment will be an ongoing theme throughout the life of the shed and will only be achievable by the continued support of all members to actively participate in raising funds either through applications for grants, completing repair jobs and/or making items for members of the public, or conducting events such as BBQ’s at Bunnings etc.
I would like to congratulate all members on a job well done over the last 12 months, most notably those members who worked tirelessly on the task of demolishing internal fitting and structures at the old CJR Plumbing Building for Metro Pty Ltd, which raised considerable funds for the Shed. Which enabled the shed to purchase some of the fore mentioned machinery. On behalf of all members, I thank you.
Very shortly I will declare all positions on the executive committee vacant, but before I do, please be aware that a new position of Welfare Officer has been created. It has become
apparent, particularly over the last 12 months that such a position is vital to keeping all members informed of the welfare of members in order to visit and/or assist them in whatever way possible during times of absence, illness or hospital stays etc. To a degree, some members have kept us informed, about those members who have not been able to attend for whatever reason, but unfortunately some have slipped through the cracks.
All positions of the executive committee are now declared vacant. Nominations for re-election or election for the newly created position of Welfare Officer, will now be called for:
President
Vice President
Secretary/Assistant Secretary
Treasurer/Assistant Treasurer
Shed Coordinator/Assistant Shed Coordinator
Welfare Officer
I would ask that you extend your appreciation to all members that have stood down for a job well done, to allow the re-election to proceed and to congratulate those that are elected. If nominated for the position of President, I am willing to accept that nomination.
This coming year holds a lot of promise and excitement in the forthcoming months
On behalf of all members, I would like to extend our appreciate to Metroll Pty Ltd and Aussie Outdoors Shed and Patio’s for their support in being our major sponsors; without which we would not be in the position we are today.
I now call upon Terry Ledbury to take the chair, whilst the re-election for vacancies takes place. Thank you.
Richard Creagh
New business partners and sisters Melanie Coultas and Michelle Garside were delighted to collect 20 custom-made table art easels from the Highfields Men’s shed this week. The easels are adjustable and are placed on tables, enabling participants of all ages to actively engage in art activities, particularly those with restricted physical movement. Melanie and Michelle recently launched ‘Joyful Arts, Music and Mindfulness’ with the aim to offer arts, crafts, music, performance and mindfulness activities across the Darling Downs and South-West Queensland. They decided to contact the Men’s shed to see whether they could make the easels locally. Secretary of the Highfields Men’s Shed David Prout explained that the men enjoyed working on a different challenge. “We were sent a couple of photos of what Michelle and Melanie were looking for, so we drafted several designs and did some testing before settling on the final look,” he said. “We were able to re-use materials that we already had in the workshop, which is always satisfying.” Managing Director of Joyful, Melanie Coultas said that the Men’s Shed commitment to repurposing used wood products wherever possible, aligns with their business values of recycling and sustainability. “We are keen to work with local service clubs as much as we can, particularly those that use eco-friendly and recycling methods,” Ms. Coultas said. “We are planning to offer our services right across South West Queensland to bring a bit of joy into people’s lives no matter their abilities, particularly those in more rural areas who don’t have easy access to the creative arts.” The Men’s Shed has been actively making and repairing items for community use over the past decade. “So far this year we have constructed a variety of items including myna bird traps, bee hotels and bird houses, as well as repairs to furniture,” Mr Prout said. “We have over 50 men that attend over the course of a month, so it’s great that we are able to provide varied and interesting items to work on.” For more information, contact Melanie Coultas on 0424 766865
