By Taylah Eastwell
Upwey Men’s Shed has launched a raffle in hopes of raising funds to help construct and fit out their new workshop while they await an agreement from council.
President of Upwey Men’s Shed, Gerran Wright said the men are still waiting on an agreement from Yarra Ranges Council to begin the build of their new meeting place.
“Upwey Men’s Shed are still waiting on an agreement from Yarra Ranges Council to build the shed, having received most of the funding required from local, state and federal governments and the Dandenong Ranges Community Bank Group (Bendigo Bank Upwey) as well as funds from memberships, raffles and sausage sizzles,” Mr Wright said.
“We are ready and waiting to start building once Council has approved our workshop construction project,” he said.
Mr Wright said plans for the workshop, which will be located at Yarra Ranges Council Operations Depot off Glenfern Road in Upwey, “are progressing, but frustratingly not as quickly as they would like”.
“Many of the members are getting older in age and are having health issues particularly after the tough year we have just had. Members benefit from using their skills and producing wood work or metal work, particularly under the guidance of other more skilled members,” he said.
“We are all about sharing our skills to help each other as well as undertaking projects for the community. Working together on projects is what helps members connect with and enjoy the company of others.
In hopes of raising more funds to fit out the new shed with toilets, a kitchenette, an office, work benches, furniture, equipment and heating and cooling, Upwey Men’s Shed have launched their annual Easter Wheelbarrow Raffle.
“Upwey Men’s Shed members and Upwey businesses are being very generous and last year the shed received goods and vouchers to the value of over $2000.
The men have raised $1300 so far in goods and vouchers and expect to receive much more before the raffle is drawn at Easter time from the generous community.
“This is a great start as many businesses are doing it tough and still recovering from what we all experienced in 2020,” Mr Wright said.
Raffle tickets are being sold in Upwey Shopping Centre on Saturday mornings and can be purchased by dropping into the men’s activity and coffee mornings on Monday and Wednesdays at the Upwey Township Hall.
Tickets are $2 or three for $5.
While the men don’t yet have a workshop to call home, they are actively fundraising to build one and continue to organise activities and excursions of interest to their members.
