TREASURER
DAVE GRaY
I was born in Launceston in 1958. Left school when 15 and started a Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship. Married at 21, first child at 27 then two more, two girls and a boy.
Started working for myself when I was 22 and did so until I retired at age 57. My business at its peak employed 14 people, when I sold it there were ten.
I sold my business when I was 46 and did most of my work on Flinders Island with no employees other than casuals. Basically Flinders Island became my 'bolt hole' and gave me the environment to recover from depression and anxiety. I owe the island my life in a lot of ways.
I knew about Men's Shed's prior to retirement and having an interest in Men's Mental Health I knew that the Shed Movement was of great benefit to many. I duly visited the Exeter Shed and became a member. On the whole I quite enjoy it, there is no pressure and they are a good bunch of blokes. I was also interested in how other shed's operated and visited a few of them which brought me to the attention of Rob McKenzie at Ulverstone who asked if I would consider becoming a committee member of TMSA. The rest is history as they say! I am enjoying (I think?) my new role as Treasurer, particularly as I am now even more involved in the activities of the association.
My real motivation for being involved is that Mens Sheds provide a safe and friendly environment for men of all ages to mix with other men.The sharing of knowledge and experience, and also the learning of new skills, can be immensely satisfying and provide something for the men to look forward to on a regular basis. This in turn improves their quality of life and mental wellbeing and that is the true, although often misunderstood, benefit of Mens Sheds. That is why I do what I do.