Office Bearers & Committee
The Committee for 2024-25
President- TBA_ Vice President- John Humphreys Jnr Vice President – Rob Crepin Secretary – Brian Parker Treasurer – Bill Fisher Registrar – David Le-Good
Committee
Trevor Dickson Ian Ross David Winnington John Kenneally Henry Pryor Founder- Dean Olafsen Sadly, passed away August 2024 
Dean Olafsen remembered Remembering Dean Olafsen: A Tribute to the Founder of Ipswich Men’s Shed 🌟 In 2012, a vision took shape—a place where older men could gather, socialize, and find camaraderie. Dean Olafsen, along with others, breathed life into this idea, and the Ipswich Men’s Shed was born. Officially opening its doors in 2013, this creative haven became a sanctuary for retirees seeking purpose, friendship, and hands-on activities1. Dean understood the challenges faced by newly retired men—the void left by work, the loss of familiar routines. He championed the Men’s Shed as a remedy, a place where mateship blossomed over cups of coffee and shared projects. Whether it was woodworking, metal crafting, gardening, or simply swapping stories, Dean’s legacy lives on in the laughter, the tools, and the bonds forged within those walls2. Today, we honor Dean Olafsen—a visionary, a friend, and the heart behind Ipswich Men’s Shed. His legacy reminds us that community, creativity, and connection are timeless treasures. Farewell, Dean, and thank you for building a place where shoulders meet, hands create, and hearts find solace. Rev. Dean Olafsen (1941–2024) “ALL Aussie boys need a shed,” they say, and Dean Olafsen took that saying to heart. With unwavering dedication, he founded the Ipswich Men’s Shed—a haven where hands crafted, hearts opened, and hidden grief found solace. Dean understood that life’s later chapters could be lonely, especially for retirees. So, he created a space where men aged 18 to 80 could gather, tinker, and share stories. The shed wasn’t just about woodworking or metalworking; it was about forging connections. Dean believed that within those walls, laughter echoed, friendships bloomed, and burdens lightened. As the Bundamba Men’s Shed flourished, Dean’s vision expanded. He dreamed of an annex—a place for counseling, support, and healing. His heart overflowed with compassion for those carrying hidden grief, and he wanted them to find solace within those walls. The shed itself was more than timber and nails. It was a testament to community support. Donations poured in—from varnishes to woodworking machines—each gift a symbol of care. Dean’s tireless efforts, along with the Salvation Army and local businesses, transformed a flood-damaged space into a vibrant hub. Dean Olafsen, a man of action and empathy, left an indelible mark. His legacy lives on in the laughter of men who once felt alone, in the hands that shape wood, and in the hearts that found kinship. May he rest in peace, knowing that the shed he built continues to echo with camaraderie and shared dreams.
🕊️ Rest in peace, Dean Olafsen. 🕊️