Bob Thomas has been volunteering for more than 40 years, but it was during the past decade volunteering with the Tasmanian Men's Shed Association that he realised just how much he had learned himself through the work.
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The founding president of the Longford Men's Shed was added to the association's official honour roll during its annual general meeting at Woolmers Estate on Thursday.
Feeling proud of his latest achievement, Mr Thomas said every time someone thanked him for how he had helped them, that was his biggest reward.
"Being a volunteer you not only help others, but it is also helping you ... it is the satisfaction, and enjoyment of doing it. I have been doing this for 40-plus years, but it has been in the last 10 years of being involved in the TMSA and the Longford Men's Shed that really brought my volunteering career to a point where I realised it is my life," he said.
When he first moved to Longford 12 years ago, there were no sheds in the area, and only about 14 in the state. Now, there are 65.
"We have the highest number of sheds per capita than any state in Australia ... the men's shed movement is not only Tasmania, it is Australia-wide and it has gone worldwide," Mr Thomas said.
And it was the support of the men's sheds that helped a lot of the association's members during the peak of the pandemic.
"When we were in lockdown, through the state association and the sheds, we endeavored to make contact with our membership to make sure they were travelling OK, to encourage social connection, and most importantly, encourage mateship," he said.
Mr Thomas has since worn many hats, from northern representative to state president, but more recently is focusing on his home shed at Longford.
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TMSA's president David Seen presented Mr Thomas with his new honour roll certificate during the AGM, and said even with COVID-19 restrictions, members from across the state were able to take part in the gathering.
"The highlight of the day really was the bringing together of our members along with our sponsors, supporters and in particular - state government representatives," he said.
"This year we acknowledged a number of men who have made invaluable contributions to TMSA and announced a new initiative for 2022, where will we continue to honour our volunteers."
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Melissa Mobbs
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Melissa Mobbs currently works as the Deputy Editor for The Examiner Newspaper in Launceston, and has a strong background in reporting on crime and the justice system. Send tips to Melissa.Mobbs@examiner.com.au or on Twitter via @melissamobbs.
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Melissa Mobbs currently works as the Deputy Editor for The Examiner Newspaper in Launceston, and has a strong background in reporting on crime and the justice system. Send tips to Melissa.Mobbs@examiner.com.au or on Twitter via @melissamobbs.
