Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Here are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Kincumber Men's Shed.

If there is a question that you wanted answered or have been asked at some time, do not hesitate to send us an email or contact us directly.

Where is The Shed ?

The shed is in the grounds of the Kincumber Uniting Church, located at the corner of Avoca Drive and Killuna Drive Kincumber. Enter the grounds from Killuna Drive. There are bus stops located adjacent in Avoca Drive or plenty of parking in the grounds.

When is The Shed open ?

The shed is open on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 8.30 am to 2.00 pm. The Shed will be open other days for special interest groups providing their own supervision.

What do you do in The Shed ?

Mainly we get together and share a bit of company, either over a cuppa or doing a project.

There are three main categories of activity at the shed. Personal projects, Shed improvement projects or community involvement projects. Members are welcome to be involved in any or all of these as is their own capability or interest. Or just to come to the shed and have a chat with these friendly guys as they go about their tasks.

How do I become a member of The Shed ?

Come and check us out and see what we do... no compulsion to join, just see what we do. If you like what you see... you can join for a fee of $5.00 and your signature on a membership form that asks for minimal information.

Do I have to pay for ongoing visits ?

No. Membership entitles you to attend the shed, become involved in Toolbox Meetings and commence work on your own projects or assist on Shed or community projects.

Members are encouraged to donate a gold coin in the Red Box each time they sign in. This is a donation only not a fees. Members choose to pay or not depending on their own circumstance. The ethos of The Shed is about inclusion so this is not meant to be a barrier to attendance.

However, the funds are important to the shed to keep up the standard of morning tea and provide some of the consumables that are require for the ongoing running of The Shed.

What is a Toolbox Meeting ?

Toolbox Meetings are the core democratic management of The Shed. These meetings are held over morning tea most days the the shed is open. This gives an opportunity to advise members, make resolutions and resolve disputes. The meetings are mostly casual affairs that discuss anything from tool maintenance, through safety concerns to major financial decisions for the The Shed. Everyone has the opportunity to express an opinion and a vote on major issues.

These meetings are generally presided over by Peter Jessop, the man with the wooden gavel.

[Don't be fooled, there is also a lot of laughter
and the chance to spin a yarn or two...ed]

Who pays for The Shed ?

There are are many sources of funding, sponsorship and significant contributors for The Shed. Major contributions include Kincumber Uniting Church in providing the land and Uniting Care Aged for funds to purchase the shed building. Many individuals donated or loaned funds at crucial times to allow The Shed to progress to the current operational stage. In addition, grants from community funding from Gosford Shire Council and the Federal & State Government have assisted in some projects.

Sourcing funding for the Kincumber Men's Shed is an ongoing challenge well worth the effort for a community resource that does so much to benefit not only for the men involved but the wider community as well. Donations, sponsorship or even some hours volunteered are all welcome at the Kincumber Men's Shed.

Where do you get the funds for materials and projects?

The Shed has received donations of material from members and the community, that have been used in many of the successful projects. However, for personal projects The Shed recommends purchase of you own materials, which can then be supplemented by on-hand stores where appropriate. For shed development projects, material will drawn from stores or sourced locally at the most suitable price. For community projects, we are able to provide labour and skills tools and workshop, but materials are the responsibility of the contracting organisation.