The Committee
The Committee is a group of up to 10 elected volunteers, chosen by members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) each year. The Committee meets monthly, and more often when required, to guide the governance, planning, and day-to-day operations of the Merri Community Shed.
The Committee works collaboratively to ensure the Shed is safe, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of its members and the broader community.
Committee Roles
The Committee structure is similar to many community organisations and includes:
President
Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer
Up to six General Committee Members
Getting Involved
Members are warmly encouraged to get involved beyond attending sessions. If you’re interested in joining a sub-committee, supporting specific projects, or nominating for the Committee, we’d love to hear from you.
The Shed thrives on the skills, experience, and enthusiasm of its members, and there are many ways to contribute.
Committee of Management 2025-26
| Position | Name | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| President | Dave Deveny | president@merrics.org.au |
| Vice-President | John Muser | vice-president@merrics.org.au |
| Secretary | Ian Beckett | secretary@merrics.org.au |
| Treasurer | Tim Van Rijn | treasurer@merrics.org.au |
| General Committee | Francesco [Frank] Deserio | |
| General Committee | Meghan Street | |
| General Committee | Damian Nippard | |
| General Committee | Mario Fenech | |
| General Committee | Dale Killen | Coburg Common |
| General Committee | Vacant |
Committee meetings
The Committee meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held at the Merri Community Shed and typically run from 7:00pm.
The primary purpose of Committee meetings is to:
Receive reports from the office bearers and sub-committees
Discuss and plan operational and strategic matters
Address any other relevant business relating to the Shed
Attendance
Committee meetings are not public meetings. However, members are welcome to request to attend if they have an issue, idea, or suggestion they would like to raise.
To request attendance, please email president@merrics.org.au with a brief outline of the topic you wish to discuss.
Meeting Structure
Committee meetings follow a standard association meeting format to ensure meetings are efficient and well-run.
A typical agenda includes:
Meeting opens
Acknowledgement of Country
Apologies
Confirmation of previous minutes
President’s Report
Vice-President’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Secretary’s Report
Sub-Committee Reports
General Business
Meeting closes
Sub-Committees
Sub-committees are formed to undertake ongoing and ad-hoc pieces of work that help keep the Shed running smoothly and support its continued growth.
The Shed has several standing sub-committees, with additional sub-committees established as needed to support specific projects or initiatives.
Membership and Leadership
Each sub-committee is led by a Chair, who is typically also a member of the Committee of Management. Sub-committee members may include:
Committee members, and
Other Shed members who have an interest in contributing their skills, experience, or time.
This approach encourages broader participation and shared ownership of the Shed’s development.
Meetings and Reporting
Sub-committees meet as agreed by their members, depending on the nature of the work being undertaken.
The Chair of each sub-committee provides a regular update to the Committee of Management, reporting on activities, progress, and any matters requiring discussion or decision.
Sub-Committees
Risk & Safety Sub-Committee
The Risk & Safety Sub-Committee works to ensure the Merri Community Shed is a safe and welcoming environment for all members, volunteers, and visitors.
Its role includes:
Identifying and reviewing safety risks across all Shed activities and spaces
Maintaining and reviewing the Safety Risk Register
Supporting the development and implementation of safe work practices and procedures
Promoting a positive safety culture, including shared responsibility for safe behaviour and clean-up
Reviewing incidents, near misses, and safety concerns, and recommending improvements
The sub-committee works closely with facilitators and the Committee of Management to support safe operations and continuous improvement.
Grants Sub-Committee
The Grants Sub-Committee is responsible for identifying funding opportunities and co-ordinating grant applications that support the Shed’s programs, equipment, and long-term sustainability.
Its role includes:
Monitoring and identifying relevant grant opportunities
Co-ordinating the preparation and submission of grant applications
Working with other sub-committees to develop funding proposals aligned with Shed priorities
Tracking grant outcomes and supporting acquittals and reporting where required
The sub-committee helps ensure external funding is used effectively to benefit members and the wider community.
Fundraising Sub-Committee
The Fundraising Sub-Committee plans and delivers fundraising activities that generate essential income to support the Shed’s operations, programs, and ongoing development.
Its role includes:
Planning and running regular fundraising events
Exploring new community-based fundraising opportunities
Supporting the delivery and continuous improvement of major fundraising activities
Working with other sub-committees to ensure fundraising aligns with the Shed’s values and goals
Fundraising activities may include the quarterly Craft Market, Bunnings BBQs, raffles, and other community-driven events.
Community Engagement Sub-Committee
The Community Engagement Sub-Committee works to build and maintain strong connections with local community organisations, groups, and partners.
Its role includes:
Supporting outreach and collaboration with community organisations
Maintaining strong relationships with key local partners, including Merri-bek City Council, Coburg Common, and other community groups
Identifying opportunities for partnerships, joint activities, and shared use of the Shed
Acting as a link between the Shed and the broader community
Through these relationships, the sub-committee helps ensure the Shed remains inclusive, well-connected, and responsive to the needs of the local community.
Equipment Sub-Committee
The Equipment Sub-Committee is responsible for planning, reviewing, and overseeing the Shed’s equipment needs to support safe, effective, and sustainable operations.
Its role includes:
Reviewing existing equipment and identifying maintenance, upgrade, or replacement needs
Planning and prioritising new equipment purchases
Preparing purchase recommendations for consideration by the Committee of Management
Supporting the safe introduction of new equipment, including inductions and setup where required
The sub-committee typically meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm, and works closely with facilitators and other sub-committees to ensure equipment supports current and future programs.
Northern Woodturners Sub-Committee
Leads and coordinates woodturning activities at the Shed. Its responsibilities include:
Leading and facilitating the Wednesday morning woodturning sessions.
Planning, delivering, and organising woodturning classes and skills development activities.
Hosting a club meeting every third Saturday, including show and tell sessions and, where possible, guest speakers.
Ensuring these Saturday meetings are open to all financial Merri Community Shed members, as well as former Northern Woodturner members, to encourage participation and continuity.