Member Profiles
Meet our hard working Shed Management Committee. as well as some of our other shed members who are all passionate about the Whyalla Men's Shed. They are all volunteers and all give freely of their time, experience, skills and good humour to make the Men's Shed a happy and vibrant place for Whyalla Men.
Committee Members
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Tony Shaw
President
Born in Rotherham UK an industrial city with a steel works similar to Whyalla, Tony trained as a electrician & spent 17 years in the British airforce before migrating to Whyalla 53 years ago.
Tony joined BHP as a electrician at the local B.O.S plant. He has been very active in the Whyalla community operating a fuel reselling business for many years, also serving as President of the Probus Club & gained recognition as a life member of City Soccer club. He is also a proud Dad of 5 sons & a daughter; he and wide Colleen have 14 grandchildren between them
Encouraged by wife Colleen to join the Whyalla Men's Shed, Tony has not looked back he really enjoys the company of his fellow shedders, the social activity & learning new skills. When he's not at the shed he enjoys reading, history, travel, computing ands watching good movies.
Tony joined BHP as a electrician at the local B.O.S plant. He has been very active in the Whyalla community operating a fuel reselling business for many years, also serving as President of the Probus Club & gained recognition as a life member of City Soccer club. He is also a proud Dad of 5 sons & a daughter; he and wide Colleen have 14 grandchildren between them
Encouraged by wife Colleen to join the Whyalla Men's Shed, Tony has not looked back he really enjoys the company of his fellow shedders, the social activity & learning new skills. When he's not at the shed he enjoys reading, history, travel, computing ands watching good movies.
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Gary Misan
Co-ordinator/Secretary
Born and bred in Adelaide, Gary is a hospital pharmacist by trade who also has a PhD in Clinical Pharmacology. Gary moved to Whyalla with his wife Debra in 2002 as Associate Professor and Head of the then SA Centre for Rural and Remote Health (SACCRH), which was a joint venture of the University of Adelaide and University of SA. Gary's research interests included quality use of medicines, chronic disease self-management, health and other program evaluation and later men’s sheds and male health.
His interest interest in male health and Men's Sheds motivated Gary in 2012 to lead the establishment of the Whyalla Men’s Shed. The aim was to mitigate social isolation and improve the social and emotional wellbeing of Whyalla men. This was based on research demonstrating that providing opportunities for socialization, friendship, purpose as well as physical and mental activity contributes to the physical and psychological health, particulalry for men in retirement. Gary retired from the University at the end of 2016 but continues with the Whyalla Shed till this day.
Gary was Shed President from its inception until October 2017, and also served periods as Treasurer, Secretary and Co-ordinator when others were absent. He is currently the Shed Co-ordinator/Secretary, Public officer , Webmaster and helps out with the more demanding woodwork projects. He also tinkers with the Shed network.
Gary is married to Deb and has 2 adult children, Ben who lives in Adelaide is a GP; Daniel (the younger is a skilled tradie (air-conditioning/refrigeration, electrician and fitter) who lives in Whyalla with his wife and family. Gary has 3 grandchildren (2 boys and a girl), and a well-equipped home workshop where he enjoys woodwork of all descriptions. He keeps fit by swimming, weekly gym sessions and walking regularly.
Gary is married to Deb and has 2 adult children, Ben who lives in Adelaide is a GP; Daniel (the younger is a skilled tradie (air-conditioning/refrigeration, electrician and fitter) who lives in Whyalla with his wife and family. Gary has 3 grandchildren (2 boys and a girl), and a well-equipped home workshop where he enjoys woodwork of all descriptions. He keeps fit by swimming, weekly gym sessions and walking regularly.
Lynette Collins
Treasurer
Bill Collins
Metal shop supervisor
Johnson Darkwa
Ground keeper
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Bill Nelson
Newsletter Editor
Borne in Scotland. Lived in Johnstone Renfrewshire for about 10 years and before that in a small Ayrshire town called Kilbirnie. Migrated to Australia to work in Whyalla in 1971. Was an apprentice Centre Lathe Turner with the Scottish Machine Tool Co. (1956-1962). Moved to work/study 1962-1964 and then moved to mechanical supervison in 1964 until retirement in 1998.
Married Sylvia in 1961 in Renfrew, Scotland. Has 2 children, Derek 54 and Aileen 51. Son lives in Sydney and daughter in London, UK.
Married Sylvia in 1961 in Renfrew, Scotland. Has 2 children, Derek 54 and Aileen 51. Son lives in Sydney and daughter in London, UK.
Michael (Kingy) King
Wood shop supervisor
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Fred Cassar
Work Health and Safety Officer
Alfred (Fred) Joseph Cassar was born in 1947 in Malta, is one of eight siblings, He arrived in Australia Whyalla SA in September 1954 at the age of seven and has lived in Whyalla for 67 years. He was schooled at St Teresa Whyalla and then Whyalla High school.
Fred did a four year electrical apprenticeship and then went on to obtain an Electronic Technician Certificate. In 1966 at the age of 18 started work at BHP, later changed to Arrium and then to Onesteel. He was on company staff for about 32years, first nine as leading hand. I served 26 years on shift work at the rolling mills (12 years electrical flying squad). The rest of years at Onesteel as plant project controller in the refrigeration department. Fred retired in July 2009 at the age of 63years with 43 and a half years’ service. He married wife Evonne (Evangelista) in 1970 and has three children, two girls and one boy, Alicen,Louise and Daniel, all living in Adelaide.
His hobbies include breeding small birds (finches), repairing electronic equipment at home and fishing. Other interestsas volunteer and member of the 4WD Club, Whyalla Conservation Park, Whyalla Bird Society, Central Football Club (lifemember), Whyalla Garden Society and Whyalla Men’s Shed.
Photo supplied by Fred was taken when he was but a boy and shows him in his office, in the then ,BHP Company
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Neil Jones
Committee member
Moved to Whyalla in 1970 from Cowell at the young age of 21 years. Got a job with BHP as a fitters offsider for about 6 months then changed to lubrication attendant at the rolling mills. Left BHP after 2 years to work at Coca Cola bottlers in Whyalla and stayed for 15 years in sales/distribution. Can drive forklift and semi. Then joined BC&K James Transport and moved to Adelaide for 2 years and then moved back to Whyalla and got job with Golden North where stayed for 14 years. Left work as a result from a back injury.
Neil cared for sick wife Margaret for a number of years until her passing in March 2011. Now retired. Has 2 kids and seven grandkids who all live in Whyalla.
Neil is a jack of all trades and has mechanical repair experience, has rebuilt car engines, has done welding, spray painting, tiling, fibreglassing, basic woodwork, painting etc. and will have a go at anything. Joined the shed to keep body and mind active and to keep busy after his wife passed away. Works mainly in the metal shop but helps out with other machinery or wherever shed needs a hand.
Neil cared for sick wife Margaret for a number of years until her passing in March 2011. Now retired. Has 2 kids and seven grandkids who all live in Whyalla.
Neil is a jack of all trades and has mechanical repair experience, has rebuilt car engines, has done welding, spray painting, tiling, fibreglassing, basic woodwork, painting etc. and will have a go at anything. Joined the shed to keep body and mind active and to keep busy after his wife passed away. Works mainly in the metal shop but helps out with other machinery or wherever shed needs a hand.
Malcom Roberts
Chief gardener
Malcolm, one of the Shed's foundation members has been a trireless worker and advocate for the Whyalla Men's Shed and has been Shed President since October 2017, after serving 2 terms as Vice-President.
Malcolm was born in Cleve but moved to Whyalla as a small child and has lived in Whyalla for 71 years. He married Maureen in 1977 and has 3 adult children, 2 daughters and a son; has a dog called Ming; apparently reincarnated twice now. A painter and decorator by trade, he is a keen gardener and also enjoys lawn bowls. Malcolm looks after the Shed's garden. Malcolm is a long time community volunteer and has been a active volunteer for Meals on Wheels, the Whyalla Lions Club, the Rose Society and the Whyalla Garden Club. His volunteering effort was recognised in 2016 when he won a Community Service Award by the SA Government. Well done Malcolm.
In Memoriam
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Peter Medlicott
It is with great sadness we said farewell to our friend and member Peter Medlicott who passed away on September 18, 2019 after a long battle with multiple medical problems over many years. Peter was an early instigator and passionate supporter of the Whyalla Men's Shed. He was a founding member of the shed, a member of the Management Committee, the shed historian and right up until the time of his passing, despite his many limitations, the editor of the Shed's monthly Newsletter. Peter was one of those quiet achievers who was happy to take a backbench role and despite adversity, just get on with the job. Our condolences to Peter's wife Lynne, children Fiona and Ben, and families. He will be missed.
Peter was born in Cheshire England where he received his schooling. Pete emigrated to Australia with his parents in 1967 as ten pound poms. He is a mechanical fitter by trade and spent 7 years asa shift fitter at the BHP Blast Furnace. He then moved to Nhill Datsun as Service and Parts Manager and over the years was occupied in a range of roles from laborer to Company Director. Pete also spent a short time in Canberra. Pete was Secretary on the Whyalla Road Safety Centre and served in many executive roles in Whyalla organisations including two years as President at the Left Hand Club. He became a Life Member of the Club in 1988. In the early 1990’s illness overcame him and he was no longer able to work in the car industry and spent a time employed by Centrelink.
In 2012, Pete saw the need of a men’s shed and the with pride joined a small group of like minded locals, resulting in the formation of the Whyalla Men’s Shed. Pete has been the shed's unofficial historian and has compiled a scrapbook of shed history and other goings on, which is now featured on this web site. Of special significance, in 1969 Peter & Lynne were married in the Whyalla Anglican church, now the home of the Whyalla Men's Shed. He has two children, Fiona (1974) and Ben (1977). Pete's past hobbies included include motor cycle (mainly dirt bike) riding and computing.
In 2012, Pete saw the need of a men’s shed and the with pride joined a small group of like minded locals, resulting in the formation of the Whyalla Men’s Shed. Pete has been the shed's unofficial historian and has compiled a scrapbook of shed history and other goings on, which is now featured on this web site. Of special significance, in 1969 Peter & Lynne were married in the Whyalla Anglican church, now the home of the Whyalla Men's Shed. He has two children, Fiona (1974) and Ben (1977). Pete's past hobbies included include motor cycle (mainly dirt bike) riding and computing.
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Kevin Dalziel
It is with great sadness we record the passing of Kevin Dalziel on October 29, 2018. Kevin was one of the founding members of the Men's Shed in Whyalla. He was a passionate supporter of the Shed and its ideals and a tireless worker whose efforts and ideas over the early years saw the Shed come to fruition. Kevin was a member of the Management Committee for the first few years of its operation including a short time as Secretary. He was instrumental in decisions regarding purchasing for the woodshop as well as for assisting with the construction of workshop benches, shelving, wood racks and for maintenance and tuition for a range of machinery. Kevin was also our first resident computer guru and was almost single handedly responsible for the establishment of the Shed's computer network and for establishing the shed as part of the Registered Microsoft Refurbisher program. He was a willing participant in all shed activities both within and without and a patient teacher for those who wanted to learn about things in wood and things technical. He will be missed.
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Allan Main
Passed away in March 2017 after a long illness. Alan was an inspirational and passionate member of the Whyalla Men's Shed. Alan loved the shed and called it his second home; he joined to alleviate the boredom and loneliness after the passing of his wife. Alan served on the Shed Committee as Treasurer and as the front man in the shed office. It was there where he warmly welcomed new members and visitors and proudly outlined the Shed's history, characters and achievements and was quick to offer all a cuppa and a tour of the facilities. Alan called himself a salesman at heart and was happiest when spruiking the happenings and merits of the Whyalla Men's Shed at the Shed, fundraising events and on man yother occassions. His happy face, cheery disposition, passion and tireless work for the Whyalla Men’s Shed will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.
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William (Bill) Skinner
Passed away in July 2015. A retired toolmaker Bill was a member of the shed from the beginning who enthusiastically embraced the shed ethos, applied his skills as needed and was always happy to teach others. A long time volunteer with the SES and other organisations in Whyalla, Bill was always willing to lend a hand when needed.
Jack Haldane
It is with great sadness that we report the death of one of our long time members - Jack Haldane - ON Saturday (June 20, 2020).Jack will be remembered for his quick wit, impish sense of humour and friendly demeanour, always being happy to lend a hand with a smile, a joke and a laugh.
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Ian (Spider) Saunders
Spider saunders passed away in June 2022 after a short illness. Spider will be remembered for his regular sobering commentary on world, Whyalla and Shed matters. He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things sport and was passionate in his views on local and national sporting codes. He loved his football, cricket, soccer and was knowledgeable regarding many other codes and never shy about sharing his opinions. For many years he was a sports writer for the Whyalla News and contributed to several books on the sporting history of Whyalla and surrounds. He was also a handy person to have around for quiz nights when questions relating to trivia, the music of the 50’ – 80’s, local landmarks and history came up. He was a dab hand with cross-words and word games as well.
Spider first joined the Shed in 2015. He was brother in law to foundation member Ken Godden and related to several other shed members as well. Although naïve to the wonders of working with wood, under the careful supervision of some of the more experienced members, Spider became proficient in fashioning cutting boards and other small woodwork items. He was always willing to help with other projects in the wood shop when an extra pair of hands was needed. Spider was also a willing helper for events outside the shed, for example fundraising BBQs, the Shed Muster held in 2019 and the Whyalla Show and the summer markets.