What we did in 2021

EVENTS PAST

On Wednesday, 3 February Consul-General TANAKA visited the Men’s Shed in Nerang to meet with Mr Len Thompson, Mr Paul Lammen, and other members to learn more about their activities here in Queensland. The Men’s Shed movement originated in Australia based on the idea of providing a supportive environment for retired men to get together in an atmosphere of old-fashioned Australian mateship, and is now gaining momentum around the world. The Consul-General expressed his gratitude for the hospitality of members, who welcomed him with a gorgeous display of the centre’s Bonsai trees and woodwork. Thanks to their support he was able to take away a great deal of knowledge about the Men’s Shed concept. With Japan’s aging society, the concept could be hugely beneficial to older communities in Japan. The Nerang Men’s Shed has shown us yet another way our two nations can learn from one another.

What have the Nerang Men͛s Shed been up to since Christmas? Here are some of the highlights. In February this year we initiated a programme of support for the people of Tonga following the Tsunami which decimated this small Pacific nation. We, of course, were distressed by the happening, however it took our shed president to come up with a real plan to help the people of Tonga hence the project ͞tools for Tonga was born. The committee divided the tasks, contact the media, contact other sheds and to bring onboard local businesses. The objective: to collect unwanted hand and power tools, fishing gear, toys, cooking utensils and medical equipment with the intent of forwarding them to the island of Tonga so the people could help themselves to rebuild their community. Beyond all expectations, we received overwhelming support from local radio stations with advertising and interviews, Kennards for transport, neighbouring Men Shed groups and many others. The project was so successful that we filled a 40ft and a 20ft container. A major contributor, without which the whole project would have floundered, was Mt. Gravatt bus service. Without the amazing help and money of Del Cole the owner to provide the containers and the shipping to Tonga none of this would have happened. The target date was one month. However, due to so many donations and the coming of the Lismore floods, we were later able to assist the Mens Shed down there who lost everything. Yet another project that our president came up with, which proved to be a great success. Due to the cold weather, we send out an email asking for donations of blankets for the homeless which we delivered to the Angels Kitchen at Southport. Who would have guessed how many spare blankets people have and how generous they are with them. This past month we have had the satisfaction of helping our neighbours ͞the Shela shack, in their shack expansion (around 30m2 of new space). Days of hard work included wall removal, lighting, panelling, & the acquisition of new shelves and fans. The finishing touches of painting and flooring is on schedule. Special thanks to Stewart, Nobel, Reg and Brian for their expertise. These projects were memorable in so many ways. Our Shed had the opportunity to liaise with key community partners and emphasise the significance of what can be achieved from a small thought to an unprecedented success, involving so many. On behalf of our Committee, I thank all our members and all those outside of our Club for their contributions support, encouragement and participation. Finally, we send our best wishes to our much-valued member Ron Sander who is in hospital and will be for a bit yet. Also, thanks go to our group of members who ran a working bee at his home last Friday to ensure his home does not disappear under the grass and weeds.

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