Volunteer work available
The Sydney Tramway Museum at Loftus has a large maintenance and overhaul facility to support its fleet of 30 or so historic trams. It's a big men's shed in effect, staffed mainly by retired railway maintenance guys, fitters and turners, electricians etc. Everyone is a volunteer, except one carpenter I think, who does specialist joinery.
It's an easy going workshop, no real deadlines, no pressure, as it's not run on commercial lines. One of the trams has been in a major rebuild for more than 3 years. Things get done when they get done, pretty much. Wednesdays and Saturdays 0830 till about 1500 are the workshop times. You can turn up occasionally or regularly, work with others or take on a rebuild project of your own. If you don't have a particular skill and need it for your project, one of the guys will be happy to show you how or work with you.
It would probably suit older guys recently made redundant and with time available who want to keep active and contributing. Gets you out of the house and it's not far to drive for those living in The Shire. Loftus railway station is right next to the workshop also.
If this interests you, you can PM or email me for more details or just turn up at Loftus on a maintenance day and have a look. Ask for Bill Parkinson, who is in charge of the workshop. He'll be happy to show you around.
Pete
<I'm not really new here. My other persona has been here for a while>