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