By Derek Schlennstedt
The Upwey Men’s Shed group is calling on men living in the Upwey area to reach out and join the group to take part in social activities and regular meetings.
The group which has more than 50 members, and operates temporarily out of the Upwey Township Hall, has received a small grant through Council’s Small Grants program to kick start their operation to allow older men to take part in meaningful activities in their community.
President Gerran Wright said the $1000 grant would boost their fundraising efforts and help the group to set up, pay for venue hire and insurance.
“The whole idea is that a lot of men tend to retire and find themselves at a loose end,” Mr Wright said.
“Instead of sitting there and vegetating, we’re encouraging people to keep active in the community and to be involved.
“There are community houses in the hills but men’s sheds provide targeted activities directed at men to attract them to participate.
“The Belgrave and Upper Ferntree Gully sheds are currently in smaller facilities and they are at capacity.”
Mr Wright said the group started off late last year following a successful and well attended public meeting.
“We are planning to hold coffee, chats and pool mornings at the Upwey Township Hall facility until we find a permanent facility,” he said.
“It will depend what permanent facility we end up building but we do have a few of us who are interested in walking, camping, caravanning and fishing. Many of the sheds have lots of tools where men share their skills and make things at their own pace.
“The benefits of a Men’s Shed include decreasing social isolation, learning new skills, enhancing self-esteem, increasing access to health information and health services.”
Council is also supporting the group to find a more permanent location in the Upwey area.
Council’s Small Grants Program offers support for community groups responding to opportunities and challenges in their communities.
The program provides funding for activities that facilitate greater social inclusion, wellbeing and participation and foster community leadership and capacity building.
The program is run on a monthly cycle with applications closing on the last calendar day of each month. Applicants are notified whether or not their application was successful about four weeks after the round closes.
If you would like to join the Upwey Men’s Shed, please phone Secretary Roger Bailey on 0409 102 007.
For information on small grants, visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/smallgrants
