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