Welcome
As we enter the festive season, we are pleased to share our final newsletter for 2025. This time of year naturally invites reflection, and as I look back, I’m reminded not only of the challenges we have faced, but also of the resilience, compassion, and spirit of togetherness that continue to define our community. While many of our challenges remain, I am genuinely optimistic that—with the strength, dedication, and versatility of our management team—we are well positioned to address each one thoughtfully, methodically, and successfully. We understand that these continue to be tough times. Many of us are carrying pressures that are not always visible, and the weight of these challenges can sometimes be difficult to manage alone. Please know that your COM recognises this deeply. Behind every decision we make is a sincere commitment to your wellbeing. As we look ahead, our priority is to safeguard and strengthen the mental health and overall wellbeing of all our members. We are especially determined to reduce the number of men at risk from preventable health issues, many of which can stem from isolation, stress, or feeling disconnected. More than ever, we want every member to feel seen, valued, and supported—not just during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year. Whether through increased outreach, better communication, or additional opportunities to connect, we are committed to building an environment where no one feels alone and where support is always within reach. Thank you for your continued resilience, engagement, and kindness. Your willingness to stand by one another, to stay involved, and to support this community is what makes it strong. Together, we can ensure that every member feels connected, appreciated, and cared for.
Committee Update
Unfortunately, we have recently farewelled Tony Strachan from both the COM and BUMS. We also acknowledge Floor Manager Craig Elston, who has decided that he will no longer lead the Floor Management Sub-Committee of the COM. We are grateful for the energy and commitment he has brought to this role. Our heartfelt thanks go to both Tony and Craig for the support, goodwill, and hard work they have contributed to the COM and its diverse and often complex program. Their efforts have been genuinely appreciated, and we wish them both all the very best.
From Our Money Maestro
In this edition I have included Treasurer Simon’s Monthly Report for November 2025. Key points noted:
- Commencement of expenditure from the Men’s Health Grant;
- A $16,000 term deposit was due to mature on 6 December 2025; confirmation
from Bendigo Bank had not yet been received regarding rollover; and
- Year-to-date fixed operating costs have been documented to provide a baseline
of annual expenditure should the Shed undertake no additional activities.
It & Systems Management
Mike Dealy (Treasurer, Bright Rod & Kustom Club) has confirmed his intention to join BUMS, and in the New Year he will assist with reviewing and advising on suitable club management software. His focus will be on practical, fit-for-purpose systems. Working alongside Jess Short, Simon Law, and Simon Dennis, Mike will help assess the most appropriate, easy-to-use platform for BUMS—one that automates and streamlines key operations such as membership, payment processing, and communications—to help us operate more efficiently.
Congratulations
Our magnificent Secretary, Jess, has once again raised the high-performance bar—taking on 24,000 competitors at HYROX Melbourne last weekend and delivering truly outstanding results. HYROX is a global indoor fitness race that combines 8 km of running with 8 functional workout stations in a standardized format worldwide. Athletes alternate between a 1 km run and a demanding workout—such as SkiErg, sled push, or burpee broad jumps—repeating the cycle eight times. It’s a true test of endurance, strength, and stamina across all fitness levels. Jess competed twice within just one hour, producing exceptional performances in both events: PRO Doubles – setting a new Asia-Pacific age-category record PRO Singles – finishing an impressive third place With these results, Jess has now secured World Championship qualification in both categories. An extraordinary achievement and a powerful testament to Jess’s dedication, resilience, and elite fitness. Congratulations, Jess! 💪ðŸ†
Grants
The latest updates on the Building Compliance Project are as follows: Correspondence has been sent to the Office of Helen Haines MP and to the Into Our Hands Foundation seeking support for our compliance works; and Responses received to date indicate that funding assistance is unlikely at this stage. We will continue to monitor the broader grants landscape and will actively pursue support from a range of sources for these essential building works.
As has been reported earlier, we have secured funding through AusPost to provide health and wellbeing opportunities for BUMS members. We are still seeking ideas for what members would like to see this money used for – this could be anything from organised walks to cooking lessons to weekends away etc. Please let us know any suggestions. One initiative that is well underway, is a group exercise program for older adults that includes aerobic, strength, balance and flexibility exercises. Our wonderful Instructor is professional physiotherapist Julie Blake (based out of Ovens Valley Physio & Pilates) who puts us through an enjoyable, varied and rigorous hour long workout each Friday morning at the Bright Bootcamp gym. Our last session for 2025 is 19th December. Following the festive break we will review this program for recommencement in the New Year. Please let us know if you would like to start next year and you can make a firm commitment as spots are limited.
Julie Blake with her willing band of BUMS gym junkies.
News From The Shed Floor
Well, well, well…! Following my recent notice about the cancellation of this year’s BUMS Book Fair, I’m pleased to report that several members have stepped forward, keen to form a team to get it up and running after all. Craig Elston will be the main contact (mobile: via the shed. It would be greatly appreciated if you could let him know whether you’re able to volunteer a few hours over the two days (Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd January 2026) to help bring everything together. I understand that a number of able-bodied members have already put their hands up to kick things off. Well done to all involved — it truly restores my faith in our Shed’s volunteer spirit and our determination to see our initiatives succeed. Thank you once again.
A Little Wisdom Perhaps…….
Here’s one for the cheerful devotees of a life well-lived: “Don't Let Yesterday Take Up Too Much Of Today.†– Will Rogers;
Wishing you all a peaceful, restorative, and joyful festive season.
Until next time, Bruce Pres.