Men’s Shed launch appeal for Phemister fire

UPDATE: Locals are banding together to raise cash and tools for Yass sculptor Al Phemister, who lost his workshop, tools and several valuable completed works in a major fire in his workshop on Thursday.

Al’s workshop was his sole place of work and the main income earner for his family, said Yass Men’s Shed member Wayne Stuart*.

Scoop has previously reported the shed blaze is estimated to have caused $100,000 damage, with the destruction of two sculptures completed for shows this week valued at $25,000 – $30,000, a significant number of tools and equipment, and 15 years worth of collected treasures and one-off pieces of furniture awaiting restoration into sculptural artworks.

Al Phemister in his workshop in 2013. PHOTO: Alex Tewes

Al said this morning the shed damage is currently being assessed by his house and contents insurer for a possible claim.

Al Phemister’s workshop which was destroyed by fire on Thursday.

Less than a day after the fire, the Yass Men’s Shed put a call out to its membership to contribute to a cash appeal and also to donate any relevant metal working tools to help Al get back on his feet.

Mr Stuart said members pulled together in 2013 when a former member and past President of the Shed, John Woodin, was seriously impacted by the massive floods in Bundaberg in January of that year.

They collected almost $1000 and a large number of LP vinyl records from the ‘60s, 70s and 80s to replace John’s extensive and prized collection.

They hope to replicate that effort now for another valued and respected member.

“Al Phemister is a major force in this town and is known and appreciated for his energy and many ongoing efforts for the community,” Mr Stuart said.

Some of Al Phemister’s previous works, Dandelion (above) and Pair of Shoes (below). Photos courtesy of sculptureinthevineyards.com.au

“He is currently the chairman of YASSarts and the driving force behind the current Sculpture in the Paddock exhibition at Cooma Cottage.  He is a generous giver of his time to community involvement and is engaged in many efforts to help school children with art pursuits.

“He has also been engaged in many projects and improvements at the Men’s Shed and has passed on many of his skills and techniques to members who have been keen to learn those things.”

He said if anyone would like to contribute to the appeal, cash or equipment donations can be dropped off at the Phemister Fire Fund at the Yass Men’s Shed, on Yass Valley Way. An internet banking deposit may be made to “YVMS” via Bendigo Bank (Boorowa) with BSB: 633-108, Account: 1530 73226 and mentioning Phemister Fire Fund in the description.

“It would be good if the Yass community could help this local family at a time of great challenge for them, Mr Stuart said.

*Wayne Stuart is also Al Phemister’s father-in-law.

Al Phemister in 2013 handing over two billy carts he designed and built with Roger Holgate on behalf of the Yass Men’s Shed for the annual Rotary Billy Cart Derby. PHOTO: Supplied