Welcome

Hello everyone, I hope this edition of the newsletter finds you well and making the most of life. Our annual membership renewal process, which commenced on 1 April, is now well underway. I’m pleased to share that we’ve reached the 50% renewal mark—an encouraging sign of the strong support within our community. For those who have not yet renewed, we encourage you to do so at your earliest convenience. Your membership is essential to keeping the Shed operating, maintaining and upgrading our equipment, and continuing to enhance our facilities for all members. In addition to membership support, our ongoing fundraising activities—including the Footy Gate, Wandi Nutfest, and Book Fair, along with grant applications—play a vital role in helping us return to full operating capacity and uphold the high standards our Shed is known for. Membership Payment Details:Please transfer your membership fee to the BUMS account:BSB: 633 000Account Number: 131069429 Please include your name as the payment reference to assist us in processing your renewal. Thank you for your continued support. Onward and upward—shoulder to shoulder.

New Inductees

I would like to take this opportunity of welcoming two new recently inducted Members to our Shed: Joel Matthews; and Peter O’Neill Men’s Sheds provide a wide range of activities centred on camaraderie and skill-sharing, including woodworking, metalworking, repairs, and community projects. Beyond the practical work, they play a vital role in supporting mental health—helping to reduce isolation, build self-esteem, and provide a renewed sense of purpose, particularly during retirement. They also encourage meaningful community participation. Just as importantly, Sheds offer both physical and mental health benefits while fostering friendships in a supportive, “shoulder-to-shoulder” environment. In simple terms, the more you put into your Shed, the more you will get out of it.

From Our Money Maestro

Treasurer Simon’s March report confirmed a stable financial position with no major variations. Key highlights: Year-to-date membership income tracking similarly to last year (~$2,300) $2,940 expended from the $10,000 Men’s Health Grant Work is ongoing behind the scenes to streamline several administrative accounts and services (including Tyro, Telstra, and compliance documentation), which will improve efficiency and reduce ongoing costs

Bums Pilates Group With Physio Julie

With the arrival of colder weather, our Friday morning outdoor walking sessions have now wrapped up and transitioned indoors. The new indoor Pilates program with Physio Julie is now underway at Ovens Valley Pilates & Physio, with strong member participation.

There are eight places available, and we’re pleased that enough members from our earlier exercise group have stepped forward to take part in this next phase. The program includes: A weekly session over six weeks Activities designed to challenge balance Building strength and supporting mobility Exploring a variety of exercise options Learning how Pilates equipment—such as the reformer, Cadillac and chair—uses springs, pulleys and sliding platforms to provide resistance, support and improved range of motion. These tools help strengthen the core, increase flexibility and promote deeper muscle engagement through low-impact movement, making the sessions suitable for all fitness levels And, importantly, enjoying the benefits of a supportive group environment

As always at BUMS, it’s about more than just exercise—it’s about connection, consistency, and looking after ourselves and each other.

Bright And Surrounds Mental Wellbeing Committee

Following Peter van Vuuren’s resignation, BUMS is seeking a new representative for the Bright & Surrounds Mental Wellbeing Committee. This is an important role that ensures the Shed remains connected to broader community wellbeing initiatives. We will be including an Expression of Interest in upcoming communications—so keep an eye out if you’d like to get involved. The objectives of the Mental Wellbeing Committee are to: Enable a coordinated, community-based approach to protect and nurture the mental wellbeing of residents in Bright and surrounding areas; Support the establishment and sustainability of wellbeing teams within community organisations and clubs; Promote consistent wellbeing messaging and strengthen a positive wellbeing culture across the community; and Maximise community resources through collaboration, shared learning, collective fundraising, and advocacy. If you’re interested, let us know.

Building Compliance Project Update

The 2026–27 Victorian Men’s Shed Funding Program is now open, offering grants of up to $100,000. Deadline: 4 June 2026 Purpose: Building upgrades, refurbishments, and major equipment We will be submitting an application again this year. Significant work is continuing behind the scenes to progress compliance requirements and position the Shed strongly for future funding.

Wandi Nut Festival Fundraiser

A huge shout-out and thank you to all the volunteers from Simon L. & Craig’s BUMS team and Jess’s AMSG group for their outstanding effort in preparing for and running the chestnut cooking at this year’s Wandi Nut Festival. Although attendance was down compared to previous years—likely due to the fuel situation and a number of competing local events—we still raised an impressive $1,307.00 for the Shed. This year also saw a major improvement in product quality overseen by Craig (thanks to some serious “research” and expert input), with overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees and taste testers. As for Chef Craig, like many renowned chefs, he remains tight-lipped about the finer details—guarding his ingredients, techniques, and perhaps a few inherited secrets to preserve that touch of mystery. Sadly, no further disclosures are forthcoming! Your contribution plays a vital role in maintaining a strong and secure funding base, helping us continue to address our building needs. Just as importantly, volunteering at events like this strengthens our ties within the community and builds valuable goodwill and support. Well done to everyone involved—a terrific effort all round.

Shed Automated External Defibrillator (Aed)

Our AED has been removed from service due to battery failure. We are currently exploring funding options (including support from the Bright Community Bank) to repair or replace the unit. This is a priority safety item, and we will provide updates as soon as possible.

Get Involved – Committee & Support Roles

We are also looking to strengthen our Committee and support roles, including:

Assistant Treasurer General Committee support Members with specific skills or interests If you’re keen to contribute, we’d love to hear from you and a bit about yourself to ensure you’re a good fit for the Committee.

A Little Wisdom Perhaps……….

“Enjoy life. Have fun. Be kind. Have worth. Have friends. Be honest. Laugh. Die with dignity. Make the most of it. It’s all we’ve got.” – Ricky Gervais Embrace Mortality: Realising you won't live forever makes life more magical, not sad. Live in the Moment: Focus on having fun, being kind, and making friends. No Regrets: Take chances and live your life your own way. Appreciate the Luck: Recognize how incredibly lucky you are to exist at all.

Until next time, Bruce Pres.

A huge shout-out to everyone who rolled up their sleeves for this year’s Wandi Nut Festival on 17 and 18 April. Once again BUMS ran the chestnut-roasting stall, with a terrific crew of volunteers from Simon L. and Craig’s BUMS team alongside Jess’s Alpine Multi-Skill Group, all pitching in to prepare for and run the cooking across the Friday evening and Saturday.

Attendance was down a bit on previous years, but that didn’t stop us. We still raised an impressive $1,307 for the Shed, which goes straight towards keeping our doors open and our equipment humming.

This year also saw a big step up in product quality, overseen by Craig. After some serious “research” and expert input, the roasted chestnuts drew overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees and taste testers alike. As for Chef Craig himself, like many renowned chefs he remains tight-lipped about the finer details, guarding his ingredients, techniques and perhaps a few inherited secrets. No further disclosures are forthcoming!

The Nut Festival has been a strong and reliable fundraiser for the Shed over many years, and it’s about more than the dollars. Volunteering at events like this strengthens our ties within the community and builds the kind of goodwill that keeps a small town shed thriving. Well done to everyone involved: a terrific effort all round. If you’d like to lend a hand at our next community event, drop us a line at info@bumsinc.com.au.

With the colder weather settling in, our Friday morning outdoor walking sessions have wrapped up for the season. But the exercise group isn’t hibernating. We’ve moved indoors to a brand new Pilates program with physiotherapist Julie at Ovens Valley Pilates & Physio, and it’s already off to a strong start.

There are eight places in the program, and enough members from our earlier exercise group have stepped forward to take part in this next phase. The program runs as a weekly session over six weeks, with activities designed to challenge balance, build strength and support mobility. Members are learning how Pilates equipment such as the reformer uses springs, pulleys and sliding platforms to provide resistance and support. It’s all low-impact movement, which makes the sessions suitable for every fitness level, from the spring chickens to the slightly creakier among us.

The program is funded through our Men’s Health grant, which supports health and wellbeing activities for Shed members. As always at BUMS, it’s about more than just exercise. It’s about connection, consistency, and looking after ourselves and each other.

If you’re interested in joining future health and wellbeing activities at the Shed, get in touch via info@bumsinc.com.au or pop in for a cuppa on a Wednesday morning.

Welcome

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2026.

I hope you all enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating festive season, and that you're feeling optimistic about the year ahead.

Over the break, I've had time to reflect on the issues facing our wonderful Shed as we move forward. Alongside the challenges we must address, I'm continually struck by the resilience, compassion, and spirit of togetherness that define our community. For me, it's very clear that 2026 must be about strengthening our capacity, improving member wellbeing, and working together-shoulder to shoulder-in the original spirit upon which our Shed was founded.

I'm reminded of the saying "seeing the forest for the trees." Our focus needs to remain on the bigger picture, ensuring we don't lose sight of what truly matters by becoming distracted by matters of lesser consequence.

Your Committee of Management understands that many members experience pressures-often quietly-related to stress, loneliness, disconnection, loss of purpose, and ongoing mental or physical health challenges. We take this very seriously. Please be assured that our decisions are guided by a genuine commitment to safeguarding the collective wellbeing of our members. More than ever, we want every member to feel seen, valued, and supported through their involvement with the Shed.

One of the great strengths of our organisation is that members have both the right and the opportunity to help shape its direction. This may be through engaging constructively, contributing ideas, or standing for election to the Committee of Management. Positive change comes from participation and collaboration. Let's choose open dialogue, shared responsibility, and mutual respect-focusing on what brings us together rather than what divides us.

Our Code Of Conduct – A Shared Commitment

Many members will be aware that the Shed has recently been involved in a disciplinary process. One of the challenges highlighted during that process was the importance of consistently applying our Code of Conduct.

While the Code of Conduct is part of the clubs "Rules of Incorporation" and in our induction documentation, it's worth pausing to reflect on what they mean in practice – and the kind of Shed environment we all want to enjoy.

Our Code of Conduct is built around the following simple principles:

• Respect – Treat everyone with courtesy, patience, and understanding.
• Safety First – Follow workshop safety procedures and use equipment responsibly.
• Inclusivity – BUMS is a welcoming place for all. We support one another and respect differences.
• Teamwork – Share skills, work together, and help others learn.
• Responsibility – Look after tools, the Shed, and each other. Leave spaces clean and tidy.
• Wellbeing – Look out for your mates. Check in, encourage conversation, and offer support when needed.

By living these principles every day, we help ensure the Shed remains a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable place for everyone.

Committee Update

Welcome to the Shed, Mike!

After a long search, we're pleased to say we've finally kicked a goal, with Mike Dealy joining the Shed and volunteering for the Committee of Management to help tackle our disjointed and not-fit-for-purpose IT systems.

Mike brings a wide and varied professional background, with strong experience in IT and governance. He also works part time for the Australian Bureau of Statistics and runs his own IT company, giving him a very practical, hands-on approach.

COM has formally welcomed Mike's appointment, and we're looking forward to his contribution. Initially, Mike will focus on reviewing and advising on suitable club management software, with an emphasis on practical, fit-for-purpose solutions.

Working alongside Jess Short, Simon Law, and Simon Dennis, Mike will help assess an easy-to-use platform for BUMS-streamlining membership, payments, and communications to help the club operate more efficiently.

From Our Money Maestro

In this edition I have included Treasurer Simon's Monthly Report for January 2026 (see attached PDF for breakdown). Key points noted:

• Discussion included clarification of income and expense line items, including historical football gate income and minor asset sales;
• We have spent $1,840 of the $10,000 Men's Health Grant; and
• Our income is about $3,000 greater than our expenditure for the year so far.

Bums Community Keg Night – Wednesday 25 February

Great news, Shedders!

Lydia Devine from Bright Brewery has been in touch to let us know that BUMS has been selected as the Brewery's Community Keg beneficiary for February, which means 100% of all donations from the NEDs Community Keg on the night go directly to supporting our Shed. So lock in Wednesday 25 February for a relaxing evening out in support of our great Shed.

How it Works:

• Grab your friends, family, neighbours – everyone's welcome – and head down from 5pm on Wednesday 25 February.
• Order a pot, schooner or pint of NEDs from the Community Keg.
• Instead of paying for your beer, you make a donation (any amount).
• Bright Brewery donates every cent raised to BUMS.

This initiative works best when it's driven by our community, so please spread the word far and wide, bring a crew, and help make it a great night. The Brewery will share an Instagram post and Facebook event in the lead-up, and you're very welcome to tag them (and us!) so they can reshare.

We're also keen to help Bright Brewery promote the night:

If you have any great Shed photos we can use, please send them through.

Thanks everyone – we're really looking forward to a relaxed, social night together and appreciate the continued support for the Shed.

Men'S Shed Heat Policy

While we do not have a BUMS specific heat policy, the recent bouts of increased ambient temperature necessitates considering common sense ways of minimising health and safety risks to our Members.

The Australian Men's Shed Association (AMSA) Heat Policy <https://mensshed.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/AMSA-Protocols-The-Mens-Shed-Heat-Policy-Jan-2020.pdf> recommends drinking 100-200ml of water at regular intervals, avoiding caffeine/alcohol, wearing light-coloured, loose clothing, taking regular breaks in cool areas, and monitoring members for signs of heat illness. This policy is part of the AMSA Health & Safety Manual.

Key safety measures for Men's Shed members in high temperatures include:

• Monitoring Health: Watch for symptoms of heat illness, such as dizziness, nausea, weakness, or fainting.
• Hydration: Drink water frequently, even if not feeling thirsty.
• Safety Precautions: Avoid heavy work during peak heat and ensure proper ventilation in the shed.
• Supervision: High-risk tasks should be supervised, particularly when working with machinery during warm weather.

News From The Shed Floor

Good news!

Alpine Shire Council got in touch to see if the Shed could use a conference room table. Craig and Ray from our Floor Management Team jumped on the opportunity and brought back a very attractive table, now proudly installed in the Tea Room. I reckon it gives the place a real lift-hope Members enjoy the upgrade.

Volunteer Coordinator Needed – Wandi Nut Festival Fundraiser

We have been approached again this year to take part in the Wandi Nut Festival by running the chestnut-roasting stall. The festival will be held on Friday evening and Saturday, 17-18 April.

This event has been a strong and reliable fundraiser for the Shed over many years, and we're keen to be involved again.

We are now seeking a volunteer to coordinate our team's participation for this important event. If you are able to help organise volunteers, shifts, and general coordination, please consider coming on board – your support would be greatly appreciated.

If you're interested or would like more information, please get in touch.

Thank you for considering supporting this valuable fundraiser.

A Little Wisdom Perhaps…

Here's an "oldie but goodie" that certainly works for me:

"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." – Socrates;

Looking ahead in 2026, our focus is firmly on positive, shared goals: strengthening the Shed, supporting member wellbeing, enjoying good company, learning new skills, running socials and activities, and getting back to what the Shed does best – working together side by side in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Until next time,

Bruce Pres. Bright United Men's Shed committee@bumsinc.com.au

Great news, Shedders! Bright Brewery has selected BUMS as its Community Keg beneficiary for February. That means on the night, 100% of all donations from the NEDs Community Keg go directly to supporting our Shed.

So lock in Wednesday 25 February from 5pm for a relaxed evening out in support of a great local cause (us!). Here’s how it works:

Grab your friends, family and neighbours, everyone’s welcome, and head down to the Brewery. Order a pot, schooner or pint of NEDs from the Community Keg. Instead of paying for your beer, you make a donation of any amount you like. Bright Brewery then passes on every cent raised to BUMS.

This initiative works best when it’s driven by the community, so please spread the word far and wide, bring a crew, and help make it a great night. A big thank you to Lydia and the whole team at Bright Brewery for choosing the Shed. We’re really looking forward to a social night together and we appreciate the continued support. See you there!

Well, well, well! After nearly being cancelled this year, the annual BUMS Book Fair is officially back on. Several members have stepped forward, keen to form a team and get it up and running after all, and it truly restores our faith in the Shed’s volunteer spirit.

The Book Fair will run over two days, Friday 2 and Saturday 3 January, at the Shed. It’s entirely volunteer-run, with members giving a few hours across the weekend to set up, staff the stalls and pack everything away. Craig is coordinating the team, and a number of able-bodied members have already put their hands up to kick things off.

If you’ve been before, you’ll know the drill: tables full of quality second-hand books at bargain prices, with every dollar raised going back into the Shed. Whether you’re after a summer holiday read, something for the grandkids, or just a good browse, there’ll be plenty to choose from.

The Book Fair has been a much-loved fixture on the BUMS calendar, and we’re delighted to see it continue. If you’d like to volunteer a few hours or find out more, get in touch via info@bumsinc.com.au. Otherwise, come along in January, grab a book or three, and support your local Shed.

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! 💪🏆

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.

Welcome

Here we go again with a new edition of our BUMS Drum newsletter (see attached PDF for all the photos). Since last being with you, I've received Member feedback thanking the Committee for our improved communications strategy – to me there's nothing more essential for our wellbeing as an organisation than keeping the membership base informed of what's going on in their Shed. I would also like to add a thank you to the increasing number of you who are taking the opportunity to attend our weekly morning tea "smoko" on Wednesday mornings (1000 hrs); they provide a pleasant opportunity to get together for mate-ship and a good old chin wag (some more than others, but "no names, no pack drill"). If you've got some free time why not pop down and join in.

Winners Are Grinners & A World Champion

What great news. Secretary Jess was recently crowned a World Champion after securing first place in the Vertical Kilometre at the World Master Skyrunning Championships! Despite brutal conditions and a last-minute course change, Jess dug deep and smashed through the course to take the win against tough competition. Jess says that her extensive training around Bright laid the foundations for the race. She said: "It was hard on the legs and lungs, but totally worth enduring the hurt to cross the line first. It was a very proud moment representing Australia on the world trail running stage."

An enormous congrats from us all Jess. It makes us all very proud to be able to share in your wonderful achievement.

From Our Money Maestro

Treasurer Simon and COM agree that in the interests of open governance and transparency, Newsletters will included financial reports following our regular meetings. COM also approves, from time to time, Term Deposit (TD) investments for set amounts for defined periods which give us a better return on funds. Our recently received $10,000.00 grant (see below) will initially be invested in a TD. Accordingly, here is the Report for September 2025: [see PDF]

Grants

Great news Shedders. Through the dynamic efforts of Secretary Jess and the Alpine Multi-Skill Group, BUMS has been awarded a 2025 Australia Post Community Grant totalling $10,000.00 for projects that improve connection and mental wellbeing in local communities.

Shoulder to Shoulder will support older men through regular workshops and social gatherings. Developed in response to the trauma of the 2020 bushfires and repeated flooding, the program strengthens emotional wellbeing, reduces isolation, and rebuilds community connection.

In the coming weeks COM will consider various initiatives, key activities and the results we hope to achieve from this program. Examples could be a Celebrate & Connect Lunch, Mindfulness & Goal Setting Workshop, Movement & Pain Literacy Workshop, Men's Chat Circle & Peer Support Training, Cook & Chat Session, Digital Literacy & Scam Awareness Workshop, Men's Health 101 etc.

Please consider this carefully and submit your proposals and thoughts to COM for consideration.

Membership Database Management

As I've mentioned before, I'm eager to encourage more Members to get involved and help us in our shared goal of reviving and improving our beloved Shed. The more we work together, the faster and more successfully we can achieve our objectives.

With this in mind, we need to explore and evaluate new membership management software to replace our current patchwork of lists, which have developed in a somewhat ad hoc way over the years. We're looking at commercial platforms that bring everything-contacts, communications, events, finances, meetings, memberships, tasks, and more-into a single, simple system. Such a platform would centralize our administration and be easy to use, even for those of us with limited computer experience.

The Shed urgently needs a volunteer to join our team in assessing and managing this new membership software. This role is vital for streamlining our operations and ensuring we continue moving forward as a vibrant, energetic group. Please give this opportunity serious consideration-it's fundamental to the Shed's ongoing growth and success.

News From The Shed Floor

As was reported in our last newsletter, Craig and the FMT started sorting through the other BUMS container on site. What they discovered was disheartening. Unfortunately, the billiard table and timber boxes containing telescopes and lenses, being inappropriately stowed, have suffered water damage due to heavy condensation. Indeed, it's unclear at this stage whether the star-gazing equipment inside the boxes has suffered internal damage. COM is considering what should be done with these assets, as it would appear they are surplus to the Shed's requirements going forward. More to follow on this in due course.

Our thanks go out to Lindsay Bennett, all round good bloke, conversationalist, and tractor enthusiast, for driving his front-end loader tractor from Wandi to our Shed in order to assist with our ongoing area transformation program. Lindsay was able to fill-in the in the old burning pit and level out the area around it. This will aid management of a decluttered open area, and simplify mowing.

We also wish thank Vince from U3A for long overdue testing and tagging some of the more frequently used power tools around our Shed. He also tested the urn and kettle in the tea room. A couple of cords failed a visual check due to exposed wires under insulation tape, and they will be replaced. BUMS made a most welcome financial donation to the Bright Opportunity Shop, whose test equipment Vince used.

Fund Raising

We are fast approaching that time of year (7-9 November) when Bright hosts the Rod Run under the auspices of the Bright Rod & Kustom Club. First run in 1991, it has become one the premier motoring events in Australia.

And this is where we could come in. There are many volunteer jobs to be filled, usually through the generous support of local community clubs such as ours. This is a celebrated event that would raise our profile within the local community as well as augment always sought after funds for the Shed.

Vice Pres. Tony has networked with Tracey Pawlick of the BR & KC and it has been agreed that BUMS will provide a team to service three pedestrian only entrance points at Pioneer Park (the footy oval) for the Show & Shine on Sunday 9th November from 0700 hrs to 1300 hrs. The actual points are the Cobden Street Gate, the Coronation Street Foot Gate, and the Coronation Street Scout Hall Gate.

It is up to us if we wish to erase any gazebos and/or bring your own deck chairs.

It terms of shifts we have amended the roster to two X three hour shifts (just like the footy gate) from 0700-1000 & 1000-1300. Ideally we would like to have three on each shift, and we currently have two – so there are still vacancies. Please consider coming along and helping (partners, friends, BUMS sympathisers are all welcome). Tony is maintaining a live Rod Run Roster, so please let him know if you can help out.

Annual General Meeting

We propose holding this year's AGM at the Shed on Thursday 30th October 2025 commencing at 12.00PM. I encourage all financial Members to attend this important meeting which will include significant reports regarding Shed developments and direction plus an Election of Officers and Committee of Management (COM).

I encourage Members, especially the younger amongst us, to consider putting their hands up for COM and taking responsibility for managing your Shed into the future. The tasks of COM Members are not onerous, but they do require new blood, ideas and motivation if The Shed is to remain sustainable. Please consider what you can do to ensure that The Shed continues to function and fulfil its objectives and commitments to us, the Members, and within the wider Bright community.

A sausage sizzle for Members will follow the 2025 AGM. Please let Team Catering (Tony Strachan via the shed know if you will be attending by not later than Tuesday 28th October 2025.

I am attaching a Nomination for Office Form for your consideration. Please ensure that completed forms are returned to our Returning Officer, Craig Elston, by no later than 25th October 2025. They can be given him personally or scanned/emailed to the shed office

Outstanding Shed Property

COM and Craig of the FMT seek the return/recording of any outstanding Shed property/stores (including keys) in the possession of members. Please let a COM/FMT member know of any such items.

A Little Merriment Perhaps…

"What do you get when you cross an insomniac, an agnostic and a dyslexic? Someone who stays up all night wondering if there is a Dog." -Groucho Marx.

Until next time,

Bruce Pres.

Remember, Happiness is a choice. Everything else is a matter of Perspective. Also, Teamwork makes the Dream Work.

Bright United Men's Shed committee@bumsinc.com.au

Great news, Shedders! Through the dynamic efforts of our Secretary Jess and the Alpine Multi-Skill Group, BUMS has been awarded a 2025 Australia Post Community Grant totalling $10,000. The grants support projects that improve connection and mental wellbeing in local communities, and ours does exactly that.

Our funded program, “Shoulder to Shoulder”, will support older men through regular workshops and social gatherings. It was developed in response to the trauma of the 2020 bushfires and the repeated flooding our region has endured. The program strengthens emotional wellbeing, reduces isolation, and rebuilds community connection, which sits right at the heart of what a Men’s Shed is for.

The funds will go towards health and wellbeing activities for members, including our group exercise program and a range of workshops and social gatherings still being planned. Ideas on the table include everything from cooking sessions to mindfulness workshops and men’s health talks.

A big congratulations and thank you to Jess and everyone involved in putting the application together. Grants like this make a real difference to a volunteer-run shed in a small town. If you’d like to know more about what’s on at the Shed, drop us a line at info@bumsinc.com.au.

What great news. Our Secretary Jess has been crowned a World Champion after securing first place in the Vertical Kilometre at the World Masters Skyrunning Championships!

Despite brutal conditions and a last-minute course change, Jess dug deep and smashed through the course to take the win against tough competition. She credits her extensive training on the trails around Bright with laying the foundations for the race. As Jess put it: “It was hard on the legs and lungs, but totally worth enduring the hurt to cross the line first. It was a very proud moment representing Australia on the world trail running stage.”

For those unfamiliar with the sport, skyrunning is mountain running at its steepest, and the Vertical Kilometre is exactly what it sounds like: a race up a full kilometre of vertical climb. It is not for the faint-hearted, the faint-legged, or most of us here at the Shed, who prefer our hills with a cuppa at the top.

An enormous congratulations from us all, Jess. The whole Shed is very proud to share in your wonderful achievement, and it’s a fine reminder that our little corner of the Alpine valleys produces some genuinely world-class talent.