All posts by Brian Black

AMSA 30th Anniversary, Parliament House

September 4th 2023

We, the WCMS were asked by AMSA to provide a display table and a speaker for the 30th Anniversary celebrations, held on the Senate Garden garden and grounds.

The Tuggeranong Men’s Shed were to do the BBQ catering and had been advised to caterer 100.

AMSA was represented by Paul Sladdin, Chairman, David Helmers, Executive Officer, Beth Gow, ACT/NSW Shed Support and Jim Thornton Area 13 Representative.

The weather was fabulous after a cold start to the day. Parking was a nightmare due to a large protest rally being conducted outside on the front lawns.

At the allotted time, guests started streaming out of “the House” and filled up the area. Everyone expressed interest in the Shed movement and many requested photos with the AMSA people, and one or two with Allan and myself. meanwhile Dennis was busy giving an interview to John Paul Young, who as you know is the media voice for AMSA, and a keen shedder himself.

The formal part of the event was hosted by AMSA Chairman, Paul Sladdin, who gave a brief rundown of AMSA history and introduced the guest speakers, Rob Mitchell, Member for McEwen, Ted O’Brien, Member for Fairfax, and yours truly.

Rob Mitchell and Ted O’Brien are co-chairs of a parliamentary group known as Parliamentary Friends of Men’s Sheds. To quote from the PH website: “It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for MPs to meet and interact with Australian Men’s Shed Association and other organisations on matters relating to Men’s Sheds.” Friends in high places, indeed.

I have to admit that it was just a little bit daunting to deliver a speech in front of 200 or so professional speech givers, so I just apologised in advance for reading mine, thought about them all standing there naked and gave it my best shot! I hope it was well received, and judging by the polite ripple of applause they either thought it was OK or were just pleased that I had finished.

Anyhow, the Tuggeranong men cooked themselves to a standstill and everyone got a snag or a steak sandwich and a cool drink. Well done to them all. I snagged a steak sandwich and rather good it was too.

And well done us for waving our WCMS banner in such auspicious company. We done good.

Woden Police Visit

August 17th 2023


Visit by Woden Police to the Shed:  Inspector Nigel Booth from the Woden Police Station visited the Shed last Thursday to give a talk to members about policing in the Woden area.  Nigel has extensive experience both in Australia and overseas and worked on the National Anti Gang Squad and in counter terrorism.  His very interesting talk covered a range of topics including scams (what to look out for and what to do), security in the home and break and enter (locks, alarms and ‘attractive assets’), problems with the justice system (remember Alan
Castle’s talk?), crime areas in Woden, the priority system for allocating resources (i.e. sending the cops out to a callout), and challenges for the future (bridging the intergenerational gap, globalisation and technology). He praised his young staff and the support he now gets within the Police Force.  Along with stories of his experiences (very interesting!), Nigel provided an excellent insight into how the force has changed for the better by way of supporting its members.  Thank you Inspector Booth and we look forward to having you come to the Shed again.

Report: Warren Jones

Graham Lacey’s talk

Thursday 3rd August 2023

Last Thursday past president Graham Lacey gave a presentation on the Army’s Officer Training Unit, which was based at Scheyville NSW from 1965 to 1973, and his personal experiences there as an officer cadet from July 1972 until his graduation in June 1973.  He outlined the history and operation of the unit which was established to primarily train selected National Servicemen as officers, all in 22 weeks.  What was particularly sobering was his detailing of the eight graduates who were killed in action in Vietnam.

Also, very interesting as it was unknown to many members is that a number of prominent public figures were Scheyville graduates, including one deputy Prime Minister (Tim Fischer) and two state premiers (Kennett and Gutwein).

Thanks very much Graham.  For those of us who did not serve, the talk
provided a valuable insight to military service for that period of time
(conscription !!)

Report: Warren Jones

Australian War Memorial

Members from the Shed left Rivett at 11.15 on Thursday 20/7/23 to visit one of our national institutions, the Australian War Memorial.

We had lunch at Poppy’s Cafe prior to taking the 80 minute tour at 1.30. Each of us found differing interests in all of the displays. 

Common ground was we all thought it was a place that everyone, old or young, should visit. The dioramas of battles and incidents were compelling as was the recital of the contents from our guide.

Suffice to say there were so many great things to see we could not get through them all in this short report.

When we revisit the Memorial we invite all Shed members to see the past and learn from a guided tour rather then attempt to ‘flow’ through the building. It was worth it for we members on that day and I can assure you that everyone would find it informative and interesting.

Report: Tony Burns

Lunch at the Burns Club

22nd June 2023

We had a good lunch at the Burns Club on Thursday.  Eleven members turned up and shared memories, wild tales and lies, as well as enjoying a great meal! 

Sorry I did not let you all know that we were to meet at the club at 12 noon and not the Shed.

Report : Warren Jones

Member Guest Speaker, Allan Castle

15th June 2023

We had a great turnout to Alan Castle’s talk last Thursday on the Legal System. Alan described the origins of our legal system and spoke of the differences between the levels of proof required for criminal and civilcases. He gave many examples, and ‘stories’ of the legal system in operation.  Importantly though, Alan talked about how evidence is collected and a recommendation made to the DPP as to whether a case should go forward.

Also, Alan spoke of the role of Magistrates, Solicitors and Barristers, something we all need to be aware of when undertaking legal proceedings. We had many questions and hopefully we will have a follow-up session in the near future.

Thanks Alan.

Report: Warren Jones

Guest Speaker: Wayne Simpson, CEO, Rise Above

1st June 2023

Last Thursday we had a talk by Wayne Simpson the CEO of Rise Above.  Rise Above is a charity supporting cancer patients in the region.  Its main purpose is to ‘make the journey easier’. 

Most of the referrals (about 500 to 600 per year) to the charity come from the Canberra Hospital.  About 40% of the referrals are patients with prostate cancer.  Breast cancer patients also make up another 40% approximately.  Wayne pointed out that more recently there has been an increase in the incidence of brain cancer but could not offer any information as to why this has occurred.

The charity started in 1986 and is based in Queanbeyan.  It provides services to assist patients to set up pharmacy accounts, pay a one-off electricity account, provide food vouchers and dietary supplements.  This is obviously a very good charity and worthwhile supporting.  Personally, I would have liked more info on prostate cancer.  Perhaps that is something we can arrange for the future if there is enough interest from members.

Report : Warren Jones

Fire Museum, Hume

May 18 2023

Nine WCMS shedders visited the Fire Brigade Museum in Manaka last Thursday, after a delicious pizza lunch organised by Lino. Thanks Lino.

Ron Hourigan from the museum, and a retired ACT fireman, hosted the visit.  

The fire brigade in the ACT was established in 1912 with the Percy Douglas as the first fire chief.  Percy remained with the brigade for 40 years, a real achievement.  Ron spoke about the history of the brigade in the ACT and when it was merged with the NSW Fire Brigade and when it undertook ambulance services for the ACT.  ACT Fire Brigade now operates as a standalone entity.

The museum has a fantastic collection of fire trucks, the oldest being a 1913 Hottchkiss with wooden wheels!  This was not the original that operated in the ACT, but one on loan from a museum. Other vehicles included an Albion which went into service in 1923, and the famous Dennis pumpers (made in the UK) which were in service from 1935 to 1970.  A real problem with the old pumpers was that the crew were exposed to the elements and had to hang on for dear life. Other pumpers on display included the International KB6, Dennis F12 (with a RR engine) and the Dennis Jaguar.

More modern engines incorporated crew cabs but early versions were more than converted commercial trucks with a ‘box’ added for the crew travel in.  Not good for communication between the SO and the crew.

Another interesting feature was a display of old ladder trucks, including one with a wooden ladder (120 feet) mounted on large wheels. The wheels combo were detached from the truck for use.

The display included a collection of uniforms and communication Ron had a lot of interesting stories to tell about ‘false alarms’.

In all, an excellent afternoon and well worth the visit.  Thanks to our host, Ron Hourigan, and to members Alan Castle and Tony Burns for the visit.

Report: Warren Jones