Hi Shedders,
We bring you this update on the United Nations’ International Day of Happiness. And yes, I hear your collective groan – there’s a day for everything. BUT, interestingly there’s a very quickly growing field of research that links our daily habits, surroundings and connections with happiness, and with better health and sustainability globally. And in our recent Shedder Survey you confirmed that a daily dose of connection, purpose and laughter contributes to your sense of wellbeing and quality of life.
This year has started on a very positive note for AMSA, with the Federal Government Bipartisan Friendship Group of Men’s Sheds hosting what can only be described as an all-encompassing celebration of Men’s Sheds by means of a summer BBQ in the Parliament House Courtyard. The Co-Chairs of the group, Mr Rob Mitchell MP (Member for McEwen) and Mr Ted O’Brien MP (Member for Fairfax) assisted us in organising the day, which saw a large number of Federal Members and Senators in attendance as well as guests from many of our partnering organisations.
Both Ted and Rob have been long supporters of Men’s Sheds, with Rob being present at the Whittlesea Men’s Shed back in 2010 for the launch of the National Male Health Policy. You can see right a very fresh-faced Rob (centre) with then-PM Kevin Rudd.
In 2024, Rob Mitchell also moved a motion in the House of Representatives reiterating ongoing Federal Government support for AMSA and recognising the essential role of Men’s Sheds in Australian communities. You can read the full HANSARD record here.
Rob also gave a special mention to thank long-serving Member for Parkes and friend of Men’s Sheds, the Honourable Mark Coulton MP. Mark first became interested in Men’s Sheds when he was first in office in 2007 and boasts having the most Men’s Sheds in his electorate than any other Member of Parliament and was a founding Chair of the Bipartisan Friendship Group of Men’s Sheds. Mark is retiring at the next election and we wish him and his wife Robyn well, I am sure that he would be more than welcome in any Shed.
We were pleased to again secure a great deal on our Group Insurance Scheme with the rate per member again remaining the same as the 2024 premium. As we all know this is a fantastic outcome especially considering the increases seen on the insurance market.
Last month we also wrapped up our Movember x AMSA Real Face of Men’s Health Share Your Experience campaign. As part of Movember’s The Real Face of Men’s Health 2024 report, we teamed up with Movember to ask you to share your experiences of the men’s health system. We thank you for your participation, and we’re pleased to be in touch with the 10 randomly-selected winners of $200 vouchers kindly donated by Movember partner, Total Tools.
In other good news, any of you who have ever visited the AMSA offices over the years would appreciate the fact that they were hardly fit for purpose, in fact the administrational offices of most Men’s Sheds are more luxurious than ours have ever been. Our funding priorities have always been focused on delivering the best value for sheds and having a first-class office has never been high on our list. For 15 years the AMSA team have tolerated poor environmental conditions as we occupied buildings on a temporary basis that were earmarked for demolition, which meant cheap rent. Next month that’s all about to change. After working from home since November 2024, the team is looking forward to moving into our new premises at 437 Hunter Street, Newcastle which will be on a long-term basis and with first class facilities and subsidised rent.
This has only been possible with thanks to the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation and their entity, Embrace People and Place. AMSA will join a number of in-house partners in this unique facility where we will be working closely with other likeminded organisations that make a difference to our communities. After years of working in what could only be described tolerable offices, I am very excited the team will finally be in an environment worthy of their efforts and commitments to Men’s Sheds. We are very thankful to have been selected as an in-house partner on this exciting new venture.
The AMSA Team has some wonderful new initiatives that will be launched in 2025 that will be of benefit to all Sheds. And please, if you are in Newcastle, come and see us for a cuppa!
David