Category Archives: Projects

VMS CAPITAL WORKS Survey

VMS SURVEY REPORT on CAPITAL WORKS AND APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS

January 2020: An email was sent recently asking shedders to respond to a number of questions related to the purchase of capital equipment. The purpose of the survey was to establish member support on what the committee felt was important to purchase in the future.

The committee now wish to share the outcomes of the survey. 30 members responded with sufficient data to make an informed decision. Here are the collective responses.

1. CNC – estimated cost $5000
More than half considered it was worthwhile purchasing a new CNC. The ratio was 60/40.

2. Thicknesser – estimated cost $5000
There was strong support for this item with almost 90% supporting this future purchase.

3. Drop Saw – estimated cost $1000
Again, there was strong support with 77% agreeing to the proposed purchase.

4. Air Compressor – estimated cost $2000
52% of respondents agreed to this purchase.

Since the survey a committee member has stepped forward and negotiated the supply [$0] of a good capacity compressor. It was delivered last Saturday and unloaded with the assistance of some Shedders. Thank you. Now we need to install the compressed air reticulation around the shed.

5. What else do you consider we should purchase?
About 10 members offered suggestions from a bench grinder, laser cutter, vacuum for sanders [external use] , belt sander, wood lathe, additional Makita drills. Thank you.

6. Do you wish to donate to our capital works fund? Leave your name and amount you wish to pledge.
Only 3 respondents offered a total of $570. Your committee extends a Special thank you to these people. We are setting up a separate account to be known as the Capital Equipment Fund.

What now?
Your committee will consider the results and use the data to underpin future grants.

Clearly, we will need to raise further funds. We look forward to members stepping forward and assisting with the various projects underway.

We thank you for your response. Even though the survey is closed, your feedback is always welcome.

February 2019 shed events

We have a busy week at the shed, please see the following event reminders:

Thursday 14th February 2019 from 10:30am: Jeffery Williams will address our members on the topic of “Defibrillator for Dummies”. Jeffery is a Nurse Administrator & is also involved with the St John Ambulance Service. He will provide a mannequin & a unit. Jeffery is an entertaining character & considering the average age at the Shed it will be an excellent opportunity to familiarise members with our unit.

Thursday 14th February 2019 from 12:00 noon: Shed members sausage sizzle. $3.00 per serve, $1.00 per drinks.

Saturday 16th February 2019 10:00am to 12:00 noon: Monthy Photography Club: Free to all interested members, just turn up on the day. Bring your camera and a laptop to process images and learn a little or share your experiences and images.

Saturday 16th February 2019 2:00pm to 4:00pm: Shed Garage Sale set up only. The sale takes place on Sunday but we need some help with getting things organised the day before. Please bring any last minute donations of items for sale.

Sunday 17th February 2019 8:00am to 2:00 pm: Shed Garage Sale. We still need some volunteers to staff the stall and generally help out with our Garage Sale. Please give Peter a call on 0417 988 415 if you are able to volunteer your time.

ELC has a new Teepee

Deepest appreciation, gratitude and thanks to our special grandparents Martin and Ruth Moen for donating a magnificent teepee to the ELC playground. Wow, we feel so lucky indeed. No doubt this special piece will provide hours and hours of fun where imagination and play will combine resulting in rich learning through wonder and awe.

Special thanks to Ross Boulter who made the item along with Martin and friends of the Vincent Men’s Shed, Frank and Alf, for organising the delivery of the teepee.

ELC has a new teepee

Juniper Lifestyle Presentation

Caitlin Parker from Juniper visited us recently to give us a highly informative talk about blood pressure and the lifestyle and eating choices we can make to manage it. She produced a terrific handout card showing how to interpret the nutrition information panel on packaged food items. That’s Derek and Tony talking with Caitlin after the very well received presentation.

Cameron and Edde and camper customisations

Cameron and Edde have been fitting out their Mitsubishi Express van for extensive travel in Australia.  This has been big project involving lining the inside of the van and constructing internal furniture together with the electrical work required for their solar powered electrical system. They have departed for a three month trip. It has been great having them at the Shed.

Photo of Cameron and Edde working on the interior of their van.

Cameron and Edde working on the interior of their van.

100 not out!

Both Bruce Carman and Roy Boyd celebrated 100 attendances together.  For some strange reason they were moved to sing the Collingwood theme song!

Photo of Bruce and Roy celebrating their 100th attendance.

Committee Update (June 2015)

Member’s Survey

Thank you to everyone that completed our member’s survey.  We had a very good response and are now collating the information to see what can be incorporated into the Shed’s programs.

Future Projects

We are now looking to the following future projects:

  • Installing a dust extractor system