Terry hands the baton on

Men’s Sheds have been popping up in communities across Australia over the past deacde, and are proving to very popular facilities with local residents.

And this has certainly been the case on Phillip Island, for the past 12 years. 

In that time, the Men’s Shed established in Cowes in 2010 has gone from strength to strength, thanks to the guiding hand of its Founding Co-ordinator Terry Heffernan.

Under his stewardship, it has provided a place for men to get together, get involved in practical activities that they enjoy, participate in  workshop activities that interest them, and enjoy the company of other members. 

Currently, about 40 regulars attend the Shed on Tuesdays or Thursdays of each week, and Terry estimates that 200 men have been members along the way since the opening date.

He has contributed thousands of hours to ensure the Shed’s smooth running, with fellow members estimating his volunteer contribution at between two and three days each week.

But now he says it’s time for a change, and is retiring from this volunteer role; handing the baton over to Men’s Shed member Tony Aston.

The handover was marked at a special luncheon in Terry’s honour, held at the RSL last week.

Tony Ashton, speaking on behalf of all present, thanked Terry on behalf of all present for his dedication to the role over such a long period of time.

The facility has developed into a thriving Shed community, thanks to Terry, Tony said.

“It has only been after taking on the role myself, that I realise how much work Terry has put in on a weekly basis over such a long period of time,” he said, adding that he was pleased Terry was continuing as a member.

“We want to acknowledge your major contribution to the success of the Shed, and thank you for all of the work you have done.

Terry was presented with a commemorative plaque made by member Bob Woods to mark the occasion.

It read: “In appreciation of his leadership and support of the Phillip Island RSL/Community Men’s Shed. 2010-2022.”

In response, Terry said that everything has to come to an end, and the time had come.

“After 12 years it was well and truly time to relinquish my role. My contribution was very willingly given, and I know the Shed is in very  good hands going forward.”

He said he was of the Shed and what it was achieving, and said its success was due to the contribution made by each and every member of the Shed over time. 

“The efforts of all have contributed to the Shed’s success,” he commented.

He also acknowledged the ongoing support of the Phillip Island RSL, since the Shed’s  establishment.

A sub committee of five has been appointed to help with the work of running the Shed.

“It’s taking a committee of five of to replace Terry,” quipped Malcolm Percy, Phillip Island RSL Board Member, to much mirth.

New members very welcome

Members of the Shed invite anyone in the community who is interested in joining, to come along and enjoy the camaraderie and facilities on offer.  Everyone is welcome to drop in, see what is on offer, and it is for them.

Some members bring their own projects to the Shed, and use the excellent machinery and equipment there to work on them. Others help out collaboratively with the numerous projects  and tasks that local organisations and individuals bring along.

During the time the Shed has been open, funds have been raised through cash being donated in return for work carried out on tasks for members of the community. Members also conduct woodworking sessions with students from Cowes Primary School,  Newhaven College, and the Village School.

Shed members have also manufactured, repaired and restored all types of items over the years, including furniture for locals, penguin and bird boxes for PINP, duck boxes for the Westernport Field and Game Association, Honour Boards for the Cape Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club, and toys for the Phillip Island Early Learning Centre.

If you would like more information or are keen on joining, you can call Tony Ashton on 0499996237.

The Shed is located in the grounds at the Phillip Island RSL.