Welcome
It's been a while since a BUMS Drum newsletter has been published, but your new Committee of Management thought it time to rectify this. It's our intention to improve regular communication with Members in order to share information, build relationships, and provide the latest Shed news.
Committee Of Management (Com)
Firstly, due to a number of COM leadership resignations, and following consultation with AMSA/VMSA, a recent Expression of Interest (EOI) process was undertaken and led to the election of a new COM:
- President: Bruce Nordeck
- Vice President: Tony Strachan
- Secretary: Jessica Short
- Treasurer: Brian Xerri
- Committee Members: Kevin Hancock, Milton Miller, Waseem Niazi
I take this opportunity to thank former COM Members Joe Robinson, Ron Ford and Bill Connolly for their past service.
Floor Management Team
In addition, COM decided to introduce a Floor Management Team in order to observe day to day functions with the view to informing COM of ways to advance the floor experience to promote a positive and skilled atmosphere overall.
- Team Members: Craig Elston, Milton Miller, Ray Cox
In Australia, the duty of care requires individuals and organisations to take reasonable steps to prevent harm to others by ensuring a safe environment, particularly where there is a foreseeable risk of injury or damage.
BUMS is a community-based club and not an accredited training organisation. As such, all inductions provided upon joining are introductory in nature and are designed to familiarise members with the basic safe operation of Shed equipment and our shared workspaces.
While experienced members may offer peer support and informal guidance, they do so as volunteers – not as certified instructors. It is important to understand that:
- You are responsible for your own actions and safety at all times.
- You must not operate any equipment unless you have been inducted into its use and feel confident in your ability to do so safely.
- If you are unsure or feel uncomfortable using a machine, you must seek assistance from a Duty Officer or another inducted member before proceeding.
- All members have a duty of care to themselves and others to follow safety procedures, wear appropriate protective equipment, and report hazards or unsafe behaviour.
By using Shed equipment, you acknowledge that you accept personal responsibility for ensuring your safety and agree to operate within the policies and guidelines set out by BUMS, AMSA, and relevant Work Health and Safety legislation.
Direction & Purpose
Your new rejuvenated COM is aware that BUMS has in the recent past lost stability, focus, direction and purpose, and aims to enhance energetic governance. There will be greater focus on policy and project co-ordination, with stricter adherence to rules and values.
In addition, we wish to improve our commitment to member welfare and needs plus focus on our role and sustainability within the wider local community. In terms of the Shed itself, we will strive to increase and maintain an area where Members can work on projects, share skills, foster social connections and promote overall well-being – a safe and supportive environment for learning, teaching, and fellowship, contributing to the mental, physical, and emotional health of us all.
Support Roles
COM has also approved the following Members to undertake various operational and support roles to ensure the smooth functioning and success of the Shed.
The appointments are:
- Membership Officer – Waseem Niazi
- Induction Officer – Kevin Hancock
- Health & Wellbeing Officer – Tony Strachan
- Grants – Jess Short & Bruce Nordeck
- Communication – Jess Short (temporary)
- Newsletter/Bulletin – Bruce Nordeck & Jess Short
- Information Technology – Seeking specialist input
- Insurance – Kevin Hancock
- Cleaning Roster Manager – Milton Miller
Our Building
The elephant in the room remains the current status of our building compliance.
As many of you are aware, a building inspection in mid-2023 identified a number of significant issues, including historical building works undertaken without the appropriate permits. This resulted in the Alpine Shire Council issuing both an Emergency Order and a Building Notice in October 2023.
While we acted swiftly to comply with the Emergency Order, the broader compliance issues are complex and ongoing. The main issue is the required reclassification of the building from a Class 8a (process-type) to a Class 9b (assembly-type) under the National Construction Code. This change has major implications, including the need for improved fire safety, accessibility, and structural standards.
Following a series of site visits and advice from external professionals, we are collating detailed quotes from local engineering and architectural consultancies for the next stage of work. This includes a compliance review and preparation of the detailed architectural and engineering documentation required to support a building permit application.
We are also actively seeking funding under the Victorian Government's Men's Shed Funding Program to cover the costs of this design work, with the aim of enabling future construction and rectification works.
In the interim, Council has imposed use restrictions for safety reasons. The mezzanine area is currently off-limits, and access is strictly prohibited. Any breach of this restriction could result in serious legal consequences and potential closure of the Shed. We ask for all members' cooperation in adhering to these restrictions.
The COM is continuing to progress this matter with the highest priority and will keep members informed as we move through the design and approval process.
Health & Wellbeing
Tony Strachan has hit the ground running as our newly appointed Health & Wellbeing Officer.
He has some thoughts about initiatives such as monthly Members' lunches, "experiences" with salami and cheese making, short trips away, and mid & end of year social events with partners.
Tony and I have also spoken with Ray Cox about a proposal to commence a men's support group who come together to support each other with their challenges and learn healthy ways to navigate them. Groups such as these aim to foster personal growth, mental health, and overall well-being.
Communication
I'm pleased to inform you that BUMS recently launched a Member's Only Facebook group. This private Facebook group has been created exclusively for current financial members of the Bright United Men's Shed. It is designed to strengthen connection, improve communication, and foster a supportive and positive online space for all Shed members.
What is the purpose of the page?
- Share updates, news, and reminders from the BUMS Committee
- Promote upcoming events, working bees, BBQs, and workshops
- Offer a place for members to ask questions, share knowledge, or request help
- Celebrate member projects, achievements, and community contributions
- Keep those who can't always attend the Shed in the loop and connected
Do I have to join?
- It is not essential that you join the page as all "must know" information will still be communicated by e-mail to you but we intend to use this Facebook group to enhance the Member communications experience. We encourage you to join and participate.
How do I join the page?
- Follow this link: https://fb.me/g/5FGmDT3Uy/zMulDPNQ
- You will be asked two questions:
1. Are you a paid up BUMS member (which means for 2025/26) 2. Do you agree uphold the rules of the group.
Once your request to join the page has been approved, you will be notified via a notification in Facebook and you will be able to see everything posted to the group, post something yourself (where everyone in the group can see it) or if you wish, send a private message to another member via Facebook Messenger.
Who will manage the page?
- Bruce Nordeck and Jess Short have agreed to administer and moderate the page. We are looking for persons to help out with this task. If you are interested please contact Bruce or Jess.
What about a WhatsApp group?
- We'll see how things go with this initiative and will consider other platforms in due course.
So, please join the group and make use of this handy new communication tool.
News From The Shed Floor
Ray Cox and Craig Elston assisted Christine Harris (her late husband Lee was a founding member of BUMS) to move furniture from her home to Hawthorne Village and she donated some of his tools to the Shed. They also took a vintage porter's trolley and 10 tine pitch fork to the Railway Museum.
We are about to complete a bespoke project, in the form of a wooden arbour, for Lydia and the team at Bright Brewery. As a result they will donate generously to BUMS and we will be awarded with a Community Keg event at the brewery down the track – in a nutshell anyone who buys a beer from the keg makes a direct donation to a local community beneficiary. More about this later when our turn approaches. Many thanks to Craig Elston, Ray Cox, Brian Xerri and Tony Strachan for the construction brains and brawn.
The Car Hoist
Following a recent service and inspection, we regret to inform you that the Shed's car hoist has been deemed non-compliant with current Australian Standards. The issue has been identified as structural in nature and, as a result, the hoist is tagged out (same as for our mezzanine floor) until remedial works, as determined by a local engineer, can be carried out.
It is now decommissioned in accordance with safety and insurance requirements.
We understand this may be disappointing news for some members, but safety remains our highest priority.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Rules And Documentation
Rules are vital for a functioning group such as ours, as they provide order, predictability, and fairness, promoting safety and well-being for all. They establish a framework for behaviour, prevent confusion, and ensure that individuals are treated with respect. Without rules, it would be difficult for people to live and work together harmoniously.
As part of our ongoing commitment to safety, community connection, and the values that define BUMS, the Committee has reviewed and updated several key policies that will come into effect on 30 June. These updates aim to ensure a safer working environment, support shared learning, and maintain the welcoming and respectful culture we all value. [Policies attached: Disciplinary Policy v1, Machinery Use and Risk Management Policy v1. Access hours policy to follow.]
Men'S Health Week
With Men's Health Week (9-15 June) upon us BUMS Members were invited by Myrtleford Men's Shed to a lunch and men's pelvic health seminar presented by Amanda Baxter of Yarrawonga Physiotherapy & Pilates. Our group consisted of around a dozen and feedback was very constructive and thought provoking – all good as we invariably negotiate age-related issues going forward. A follow up session is planned for about three weeks.
Until next time,
Bruce Pres.
Remember, Happiness is a choice. Everything else is a matter of Perspective. Also, Teamwork makes the Dream Work.
Many thanks, Bruce Nordeck | President Bright United Men's Shed Committee