The Hurstbridge Men’s Shed is set to get a permanent home of its own with the Victorian Government and Nillumbik Shire Council to jointly fund the construction of a new workshop and meeting place.
Yan Yean MP Danielle Green this week announced that Nillumbik Shire Council would receive a $364,000 grant through the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund to complete the project. Council will contribute $300,000.
Mayor Frances Eyre and Bunjil Ward Councillor Karen Egan met with Danielle Green, Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell, and members of the Hurstbridge Men’s Shed on site at their latest project, the Edible Hub garden at the Hurstbridge Community Hub, to discuss the plans.
Mr Mitchell, who is co-chair of Federal Parliament’s Friends of Men’s Shed group also presented the Men’s Shed members with a cheque for $3100 to help fund a barbecue and tandem trailer.
The new Men’s Shed will be built at 4 Hurstbridge-Arthurs Creek Road, near Araluen, Allwood House and the Hurstbridge Tennis Courts. Preliminary designs have been completed and construction is expected to start in early 2023.
Cr Eyre thanked Danielle Green and the Victorian Government for their support of the project, which will include a workshop, meeting area, kitchen and amenities, storage, covered outdoor area and parking.
She said it was a project that was particularly close to her heart because she had worked with the Hurstbridge Men’s Shed and Men’s Shed groups across Nillumbik in her previous role as a Community Development Officer with the Shire.
“First established in 2005, the Men’s Shed is a vital part of the Hurstbridge community. Not only does the group provide benefits to the members themselves including friendship, social connection and support, but to the wider community through their local projects and initiatives,” Cr Eyre said.
Cr Egan said this was exciting news for Hurstbridge and the group was in desperate need of a permanent home.
“The group has had a very transient existence, moving from place to place to find space for their growing membership. They currently meet in small storage room at the Hurstbridge Hub,” Cr Egan said.
“We’re so pleased that the men who do so much for this town and community will now have a permanent place to call home and continue their great work.”
Hurstbridge Men’s Shed president Darryll James said the group was excited they could now move forward with the shed’s construction and thanked the Victorian Government and Council for their support of the project.
“A thriving Men’s Shed is a real asset to any community, and we hope to be up and running in our new facility soon,” he said.
“Ongoing, the Men’s Shed would welcome interest from men prepared to be a part of this exciting project. Many local men will be excited to be able to finally have a functional and dedicated Men’s Shed.”
