Janice Creenaune meets Dave Read, a long-term Austinmer resident and past railway employee for Sydney Trains. Now, in retirement, he manages the Thirroul Men’s Shed.
At 73, Dave Read could sit back after a long career with Sydney Trains and time at the Steelworks, and relax. Instead he chooses to manage the day-to-day running of Thirroul Men’s Shed, overseeing jobs, and ensuring the safe use of machinery.
“Currently there are about 60 members in our group and we always have a few on the waiting list, but there may be opportunities for new members in the future,” Dave says. “We do need good participating members and, of course, raising funds to pay for materials, rent on the Railway property etc is always essential.”
Dave spent his entire career in the metal trades but it was wood that always appealed. “Even at school, I’d work on a job and I was often pleasantly surprised at how well the job appeared when I finished. One of my fondest memories is carrying home my finished coffee table from school in Newcastle, UK, where it remained in pride of place. So, in retirement I picked the skills up again, three days a week. The Men’s Shed has all we need, especially in our newer premises and often we work together on community projects as well as our individual pursuits.”
Dave enjoys making things with his hands and Huon pine is a favourite material of his.
“I love it when somebody donates a beautiful piece of timber. Good timber, good tools and the development of worthy skills make all the difference to the finished product.”
There are many different abilities and skills employed among the group, but camaraderie stands out, as well as skill building within the Shed’s members.
“Some have never had the opportunity to hone skills while one member wins prizes at the Royal Easter Show. We are a varied bunch. We have worked on some quite big projects. The picnic tables at Scarborough-Wombarra Bowling Club was one such project. We made 10 for the club and they are a substantial job and certainly quality, built to last out in the open space. We have also made some for Fairy Meadow Bowling Club and a local coffee shop. It can be a good earner for our shed, but it does take three to four men working constantly for at least two weeks on one table. A lot of work goes into them.
“Part of my job is to oversee and ensure everyone remains on task. The jobs need to be done and expectations are high for quality.”
The Shed also works on signs by request and fixing damaged furniture.
“We simply try to help the local community whenever we can, as well as working on our own projects.”
Dave says the Thirroul Men’s Shed offers more than wood products within its shed.
“We also have a metalwork room with some group projects happening, but we are fortunate in having one experienced metal-worker to lead the way.”
The photography group is another option for Men’s Shed members and they assist each other with programs, discussion groups and generally sort out problems for each other.
Skill-building for local men is an obvious consequence of the facility. The shed offers even more – men discuss anything and everything as they work and three to four times a year Health Talks are included in the program targeted specifically for men.
“Some come in just for a chat some days,” Dave says. “It is a place where long-term friendships have been forged. It is no doubt very social, but also where friends are looked after and, if a member has been missing-in-action for a few weeks, local member Wolfgang Kulick follows up to see where we may be able to help.
“There is great camaraderie amongst the group as many have been members for years and we all support each other.”
For Dave, as manager of Thirroul Men’s Shed, his role is “to hold The Shed together”, keep communal tasks flowing and help to provide a safe environment in which all may work. How he manages to also produce his own practical and beautiful pieces in wood is a prime example of skill development at its best.
Janice is a volunteer for PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) Foundation Australia. Email janicecreenaune@gmail.com
