Notes on the CMS Saturday meeting 24/ 8/’19

1) Introduce visitors: (none to introduce)

2) Birthdays,

The Birthdays for August, Coming; Noel N

3) Welfare Report

Des M – The hand rails for Des’ ramp still remain to be fitted (Trevor has been in hospital for an op.).

Ian W. – Ian has been transferred to Healesville Hospital for Rehab. Ian is not unhappy as he says that the food is good & it is closer to home

Ted W. has contacted us to say that, after chest pain one evening, he was in Epworth Eastern. He has been found to have a leaky heart valve & was due for a procedure on Friday, with a more major one likely to follow later.

Bob S, had been taken to hospital for examination but, after a short stay, is now back home

4) Machine Maintenance

Michael reported that the Thicknesser blades needed re-sharpening. In doing so the technician said that another sharpening would not be possible & new blades should be bought (~$200+). Michael said that the thicknesser should not be used to clean paint or other residues from timber, which should be done by sanding. He also mentioned the dust/dirt that had accumulated on the spring of the feed roller. This could prevent the roller from moving as designed & could spit wood out of the machine with some speed, resulting in injury to anyone standing on the output side of the thicknesser. A tutorial on the use of this item appears needed.

5) Activity Calendar

8/9 Billycart Derby – (Rotary Club fundraiser) details on the Notice board

9/10 Kenworth Visit (additional) Add names to notice on Notice board

24/10 Hearing presentation & tests

Either 12 or 26/10 Presentation by ‘Brody’s Law’ (date to be confirmed by them)

Another Lilydale Quarry tour is possible – add names to notice on notice board.

6) Lost, Stolen, Strayed, Surplus or Queries

(No items to mention)

7) Requests:

As neither of the Robs were present, a status report on workshop activities was not available. It was noted however that Geoff c has been successful in stimulating orders for Buddy Benches & Mud Kitchens.

The Shed has received a request to Mentor a student from Croydon Community School, in woodwork. Details were given but no volunteers offered. Ron indicated that he has intentions to raise the subject directly with 2-3 members.

8) Committee members’ comments

Corporate Governance – Chris L & John M attended a seminar on Corporate Governance, organised by Eastern Volunteers. Chris gave a brief report on his impressions, mentioning the place of WorkSafe in a non –employment environment.

Swinburne Liaison –

World Skills Competition
We were informed that Swinburne would host the regional section of the competition on Wed 28th Aug in the Carpentry Barn. Preparations would be on Tuesday 27th & disruption should be expected. Competition will involve the 5 TAFEs in the Eastern Metro region, & a number of trade disciplines (the landscaping will be over 2 days (Tue & Wed) & we may be able to also see the Tues event). The Public, & Shed members, are welcome to view the competitions on Wednesday, (a one way course through the competitions will start from the Cafeteria). This competition is the forerunner of State, National then International Skills Competitions. Currently one Swinburne student is in Russia, competing in the World Competitions.

Maroondah Festival
This year Swinburne will be integrated into the Maroondah Festival area. The Cafeteria will be open to the Public, Norton Rd will be closed to traffic between the 2 car park entrances & the ‘Rides’ area will be re-configured to open the access to the New Cafeteria entrance, Swinburne has offered the Shed the opportunity to have a display on Swinburne’s grounds, at no cost. It will be up to the new committee to decide whether we have our old site, the new or both.

Croydon Campus Management Committee (CCMC) meeting –

AED – a second AED is to be bought by Swinburne & located in the Library Area

OH&S – appears now to be Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare. They have also taken over responsibility for First Aid (inc. training) & Fire Wardens.

Disruptions could be expected in the future with ‘Coombes’ undertaking an upgrade to the Air Conditioning in & between a number of buildings

Security – there is a new head of Security (a female). A new tender is being called for Security. Security officers have new Vests (due to back strain caused by the multiple pockets in the old vests & the amount of material being carried). Security Officers, being First Responders, will now carry First Aid kits on their person.

Student increase – Due to the Government’s offering Free TAFE places there has been as 26% increase in student numbers (& a 600% increase in Accounting)

9) General member comment

Gil reminded members that the AGM was next Saturday & that only financial members could vote (for an election or motions)!

Russell informed the meeting that the Bunnings Promotion, originally scheduled for 31 August, has been postponed due to the AGM & will be held on 7th September.

Russell also relayed that while visiting Mooroolbark Men’s Shed, he attended the First Men’s Shed Cluster meeting for Sheds (~14) in the Yarra Ranges Shire. Russell suggested that any member who has not already visited the Mooroolbark Shed, take the opportunity to do so,

10) Lunch: Enough members showed an interest in Sausages, that Russell offered to cook.

End of Meeting.

After the meeting!

A lady who had offered a number of (handyman/trade) magazines to the Shed brought them in (~100).

After sorting, we have:-

a number of magazines of each of these titles Australian Backyard, Burkes Backyard Diabetes,

Handyman, Landscape Ideas Outdoor Living,

Owner Builder ReNew, Sanctuary,

& various magazines on the themes of:- Backyards, Gardening, Green Living Recipes & Food

Home improvements & luxury homes,

They are on the shelf of the ‘Kitchen Cupboards’.

Take & read what you want & bring back when finished, for others.

After 3 months (beginning of Dec), those not of value to the Shed will be available to members to take & the remainder taken to ReStore.