Another year of lockdowns that have seriously disrupted our regular Shed meetings, but nevertheless the last twelve months have seen considerable progress in upgrading our facilities and keeping our connections active through zoom meetings and ad hoc working bees.
The kitchen upgrade at the Hanger was completed in January and the build of the facility at Stringer Reserve commenced in February and finished early in March.
The Shire have recently completed the new roof on the hanger which will overcome the water leaks and the removal of vents and new insulation installed will assist with heating.
A very successful Christmas in July function was squeezed in between lockdowns and attended by over eighty members and partners. Thank you to our Sec, Rob Koller.
Producing one hundred bird boxes for Bird Life Australia to be distributed in the East Gippsland community was our major project for the year. These were delivered in September. A big thank you to David McCausland and the regular Tuesday afternoon crew for making this happen.
Other activities have continued when permitted including the Card Group, the Bike program at Rye Primary, Help a Mate, and community work at Sorrento primary and St Josephs. The Car Group managed one outing earlier in the year.
The facility at Stringer Reserve is now complete with internal wall lining finished and the security alarm installed. Many donations of tools and equipment have been received. These are now sorted and catalogued and ready for use. A 10-year lease has been approved for this property.
Negotiations with the Shire for a 10 year lease on the Hanger are progressing well and we expect an outcome early in the new year.
Despite the Covid setback, it is very pleasing to note that our membership has been maintained at over 90 together with more than 60 social members.
The committee has continued meeting monthly and we are very fortunate to have Terry sending out his regular newsletters providing the latest updates on Shed activities.
Our high success rate in being approved for various Government and community grants has continued and the Shed is now in a strong financial position and the Financial Reports for the year reflect this.
With vaccination rates exceeding expectations we should be able to hold the AGM at the Hanger and return to our normal Friday social meetings this year.
OBJECTIVES FOR 2021
Despite the disruptive lockdowns we have met most of the objectives set at this time last year.
Over the next twelve months the following should be achievable.
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- Complete the refurbishment of the hanger by installing a proper heating system and fit out a glass wall and sliding doors at the north end.
- Install a solar power system at Stringer reserve facility.
- Startup regular Tuesday activities at Stringer Reserve.
- Get the bike program at Rye Primary running again.
- Via the Projects Group, set up a timetable of Community projects to be undertaken this coming year.
- Have a direct involvement in the Shire’s Stringer Reserve development plan.
- Progress communications with the Shire and our Councillors on Crisis Housing to determine appropriate involvement by PNMSA.
- Continue our relationship with Rye Community House on identifying suitable projects.
- Bring Sorrento Community Centre to the same communication level as Rye.
- Work with Sorrento Rotary to organise the Classic Car Display at Quarantine in October.
Again, I want to thank all those Members that have contributed in one way or another to the ongoing success of this Men’s Shed.
The Hanger will be open again in November, we have the Black Tie dinner organised for the 25th and we can plan a special End of Year breakup together in December.
John Stevenson