16/06/2026
A historic day at our AGM today.
The inaugural Life Membership Award has been awarded to our secretary/treasurer Ron Pollard.
Colin Hadfield presented Ron with his award and outlined his significant contributions to both The Gingin Mens Shed and the community over the decades.
Colin’s presentation appears below-
LIFE MEMBERSHIP AWARD TO RON POLLARD
In winding up today’s meeting I have the great pleasure of acknowledging and sharing with you the extraordinary impact on our Shed by our most valued member.
Ron Pollard has been a member of the Gingin Men’s Shed since its inception in 2011 and was a vital cog in getting the Shed up and running. Ron was the inaugural Secretary/Treasurer and has continued in that role ever since.
In his role as Secretary, Ron is responsible for recording minutes of all Shed meetings, circulating correspondence to all members, interaction with outside organisations and fostering our relationship with the Western Australian Men’s Shed Association (WAMSA). Ron shared the responsibility of drafting our constitution, which required considerable detailed correspondence with the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Australian Taxation Office and the Australian Men’s Shed Association before our official recognition as a Not for Profit Organisation.
As our Treasurer, Ron has recorded and reported on the financial standing of our Shed to the satisfaction of the members, the Australian Taxation Office and our auditor for fifteen years. A truly remarkable record.
Ron is always in attendance at any Shed function and those events where we set up a stall, etc., showing his skills as a raffle ticket salesman, cashier and general public relations man.
Away from the Shed, Ron has always been a strong advocate for industry having been President of the Beekeepers section of the Primary Industries Association and Deputy National President of the Federal Council of Australian Apiarist’s Association.
Within our local community Ron’s achievements include:
* An active role in raising the seed capital to establish the Bendigo Community Bank and serving as a long term Director.
* Recently made a life member of the Gingin Bowling Club where he served ten years as secretary.
* Received a Gingin Shire Citizen of the Year Award.
* Ron has served as secretary at the Gingin Golf Club.
* Active involvement in local sports clubs, including tennis, golf, badminton, indoor cricket and lawn bowls.
* Ron is a past President of the Gingin P&C and is currently involved with the Gingin Historical Society and Project Gingin.
Over the majority of this time, Ron has adapted to the challenge that life’s lottery has dished up to him with amazing courage and dignity, his remarkable strength of character, durability in the face of diversity and positive attitude is an inspiration to us all.
Ron, on behalf of all members, it is a privilege and an honour to grant to you life membership of the Gingin Men’s Shed. Long may you prevail.
