Saturday 22nd August 2026 saw the 3rd. annual Carrara Community Connection Day at the Carrara Community Centre on Nielsens road Nerang. The event attracted local community groups with the common goal of supporting the various groups and individuals in their daily activities. The Veterans Support Group was represented by Qld. branch President Michael Caldwell, Sub branch President Andy Bryson and sub branch members Ash Cooper and Kevin Roberts. Advocacy information and Men’s Shed information in the form of brochures and cards was given to people making enquiries. The Heartspace group put on a dancing display which was well received by the attendees.
Qld. branch President Michael Caldwell and sub branch President Andy Bryson.SES group and Learn to dance group.Various groups with their displays.Michael Caldwell and Meaghan Scanlon.
August 18 dawned bright and clear, ready for this year’s commemorative service, being the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. The marquees and chairs were ready for the service, having been set up the day before by our members. The guests this year included Meaghan Scanlon MP, member for Gaven, Cr. Bob La Castra, Division 8 city of Gold Coast, Lt. Col. Ben Kreis CO, and RSM WO1 John Craig, Kokoda Barracks, Land Warfare Centre, veterans, VVF members and guests. Qld. branch President Michael Caldwell opened the service, and with appropriate prayers by Chaplain Louisa YU, the service proceeded with wreath laying, bugle playing and National Anthems for New Zealand and Australia. All guests and members were then invited to partake of a light luncheon provided by Clancy catering of Nerang.
Cenotaph, flags and flower display.Wreath laying by LT. Col. Ben Kreis and RSM WO1 John Craig.Wreath laying by Buzz Gray on behalf of the Navy.Wreath laying by Andy Bryson on behalf of the sub branch.Photo collage of the service and luncheon.
The Bellbowrie/Moggill Men’s Shed visited our shed on Wednesday the 22nd of July, following their approach to us via email beforehand. This visit was attended by about 30-40 members of their shed. Their members were briefed on our Shed’s origin by Peter Cameron, and then Committee & Shed members escorted the visitors around our facilities. Our special thanks go to Greg Foster of the GC Bee Club who took the time to explain the bee-hive functions to a group interested in that operation. The visit was most successful and apart from the thanks of their President, Graham, we were endowed with a special bottle of wine enclosed in one of their trademark boxes.
QMSA convened a seminar by the “safeTALK’ organization on suicide, and this was hosted here at the men’s Shed on June 25. The seminar was well attended by members from sheds around the Gold Coast region, and the attendees were presented with a certificate titled “SUICIDE ALERTNESS FOR EVERYONE”. There was a video shown giving the attendees the tools to help identify the signs of someone thinking about suicide as well as how to approach the subject in a direct and sincere manner.
Monday 6th July 2026 saw the final installation of the studio desk for 94.1 FM radio. The radio station commissioned the Men’s Shed to build a large desk for their new studio premises at Mermaid Beach. After some three weeks of careful drawing, measuring, and assembly, followed by several clear coats of polyurethane, the desk was ready for delivery.
The desk was built in sections so that it could be easily handled up two flights of steep and winding stairs to it’s final destination. The desk was then reassembled, legs mounted and set in place. 94.1FM are very pleased with the final outcome, and have agreed to promote our cause in future advertising.
