By EMMA SUN
TWO sets of stolen tables and chairs have been replaced at Monbulk’s Picnic Park, once again giving locals a place to hang out.
The Mail reported in December last year when two out of four tables were cut from the foundations, and since then the community has put funds together through the Rotary Club of Monbulk to replace them.
The club enlisted the help of the Monbulk Men’s Shed to build the tables, which were cemented in last Wednesday.
Rotary Club community projects officer Rob Clark said it was a fairly easy project as many members of Rotary were also members of the Men’s Shed.
“Whilst it took some time to get them built, they were constructed with the expertise of the members, who put together a pretty good product,” he said.
“There was a great deal of pride and satisfaction on the day. It was initially disappointment and shock but now pride that we’ve been able to triumph over adversity.
“Everyone was very happy and very pleased.”
Rod Mellis from the Men’s Shed said it was a wonderful initiative.
“The Men’s Shed’s done extremely well; it’s projects like this that bring the whole community together,” he said.
The replacement of the tables is the first stage in a series of planned projects for the park, which will also include a gazebo to go over one set, and a water tank to supply water to picnickers.
Mr Clark said he hoped the tables would stay put this time.
“These ones are in forever, they’re in very firmly, and we’ve got members that run businesses in the main street right opposite who will be watching out their shop window very closely,” he said.
“It is a really well used little park, a much needed and much-used facility, so it’s good to have it in operational mode again.
“The Rotary Club would like to say thank you to the community and to the Men’s Shed for their support in the replacement phase of this project.”
