Microbat

Here is a microbat roosting box on display at the Dad's Day Out. John Connor developed a design that can efficiently be produced in the Kincumber Men's Shed. With a dozen boxes already assembled, members of The Shed themselves are putting in orders for these boxes to control the mosquitos in their own backyards in Kincumber and surrounding suburbs.

Why Microbats? Microbats consume between 50 to 100 per cent of their total body weight in mosquitos over a night. They had been recorded to consume up to 400 mosquitos an hour. Microbats might recolonise areas where mosquitos arer available, if residents provided additional roosting habitat.

Never heard of Microbats? Some of our members were sceptical about the very existence of these amazing little creatures. So we looked up some Microbat information to convince them on wikipedia and found some pics and stories on the ABC.

Dad's Day Out

Frank Parker and Peter Jessop manning the stall in Kibble Park, Gosford at the Dad's Day Out.
The stall was visited by prospective members, community partners, potential donors and interested residents who have heard of the Shed and are enthusiastic about its work and contribution.

The park was alive with residents and kids enjoying the free entertainment, rides and games. The weather was just brilliant and made a resounding success for all those that worked so hard to make the day work and those that were there just to enjoy the community atmosphere. The Benevolent Society do a remarkable job organising community events.

MA & Mi Clarke Bathroom Renovations

Mick is always on the go doing work for the shed.

Tireless and capable Mick also has a business outside of the shed.

If you are considering a bathroom renovation please give mick a call.

_________________________

Ma & Mi Bathroom Renovations

Mick - 0418 434 771
Marge - 0407 244 354
Fax - 4324 4364

Future Directions

1. To secure funding and complete 6 metre extension with acoustic insulation for the whole building to allow SIX DAY OPERATION
2. To continue development of a safe shed environment
3. To further translate skills held by long-experienced Shed members to others both in and outside the shed.
4. To grow Shed membership and attendance beyond the current two days.
5. To bring about more Shed usage including, indigenous youth, students at risk, disabled & women.
6. To assess need and if required enable a regular ladies' day.
7. To assess need and enable Saturday opening for men in 5-day weekly employment.
8. To subcontract to Mary McKillop Mens Shed the manufacture of components for child wheel chairs to Timor and Cambodia for child landmine victims.
9. To develop communication and linkage relationships and partnerships with other Men's Sheds.
10. NOT to employ any management or operational persons.
11. To direct the Shed as a community resource.
12. To be open and receptive to community needs and aspirations which can be supplied or serviced by the Shed.
13. To develop and expanding work projects.
14. To develop knowledge, education & programs for men, in health issues hearing from other community groups, produce a place for men to socialise not necessarily in a work program.
15. Developed blogspot web newsletter.
    

Achievements in 12 months - 2007

1. Developing regular retired and non-employed men's shed use two days per week with an increasing attendance.
2. Developed OH&S practices with guidance from Uniting Care Ageing Newcastle.
3. Executed Memorandum of Understanding with Kincumber Uniting Church
4. Installed mobile phone for emergency communication.
5. Accounts audited for period ending 30/6/07
6. Managing the Shed through morning tea "tool box meeting".
7. Constructed disabled toilet.
8. Constructed mezzanine storage area with sealed-to-dust lunch & meeting room below.
9. Secured, repaired and painted a sea container for material storage. Built shed shelving in container.
10. Constructed concrete access path.
11. Obtained DA for 6-day operation.
12. Obtained DA for 6 metre extension.
13. Secured significant funding sources including State Government, Federal Government (VSEG), Everglades Country Club (CDSE).
14. Linked with Youth Connection for marginalised (at risk) Kincumber High School Students to attend the Shed on regular days.
15. Developed prototype Shed use by Terrigal High School marginalised (at risk) students on "off day". Implementation of this use by non-KMS organisation, viz. Wisemen's Club Inc.
16. Encouraged visits by embryo Central Coast Men's Sheds, including The Entrance Mens Shed, San Remo, Terrigal Uniting Church, Ettalong Baptist Church, Gosford Homeless Cafeteria.
17. Entered discussion for extended Shed use by indigenous youth.
18. Repaired furniture for local ladies, child care centre and community members.
19. Made Community "banner display board" 6m x 1.2m x 3m for Kincumber Frost Reserve (for Gosford Council).
20. Made key cupboard for Waterford Village - a significant Shed sponsor.
21. Made 250 art frames for Hospital Art Volunteer organisation.
22. Made 12 microbat nesting boxes.
23. Made toys for "Aunties & Uncles" Christmas presents and toy roughs for Peninsula Homes and Loreto Village residents to complete.
24. Made chocolate wheel for East Gosford Lions Club and a duplicate for sale.
25. Made stage props for Mental Health Theatre.
26. Provided a Community Workshop for members' private home projects.
27. Established range of in-house shed development projects.
28. Commenced community garden project behind the shed.
29. Rehabilitated machine tools for shed use.
30. Promoted KMS in local community.
    

Forest Community Men's Shed

courtesy The Link
Autumn 2008
UnitingCare Ageing

Safety First

Number one priority in Kincumber Men's Shed -

Safety First !

This means -

1. read the signs .. all of them
   
2. look after everyones safety
   
3. report any danger

Les Verity is the current safety officer and makes a regular report to the Toolbox Meeting about issues that he identifies and that have been reported to him. Let him know if a tool is not safe, if cords are dangerous or if material is left in dangerous disarray.

Safety is everyones issue!!