A new location may be on the horizon for a local community group in limbo.
Upwey Men’s Shed members currently meet at the Upwey Township Hall on a Monday and Wednesday morning, however they are unable, as yet, to offer a functioning workshop.
They get visitors who want to see what they do which, at present, is to offer a friendly place to meet, have a coffee and chat, help with our fundraising, get involved in community projects and planning for our new shed.
Having formed five years ago the group has developed plans for a shed at four sites on public land around Upwey.
However, we have so far the group has been unable to secure agreement on a site for a shed.
Their latest site is looking very positive following discussions with Upwey High School.
Group members are looking forward to the time that they can make some exciting announcements and to commence building a new workshop / shed.
Upwey Men’s Shed president Gerran Wright said they have already raised all the funds required to construct our shed and their members have so far been very patient in waiting for agreement on a permanent site which we are expecting soon.
“Funding for our shed construction has been confirmed by Yarra Ranges Council, the State Government, Dandenong Ranges Community Banking Group (Upwey), Home Instead Aged Care provider and our own fundraising from Raffles and Bunnings Sausage Sizzles'” he said.
Whilst they are waiting for a site to be approved, the men’s shed will be holding another fundraising Sausage Sizzle at Bunnings Scoresby on Sunday 8 October.
Mr Wright said they always get good feedback from the community.
“We have received a lot of praise for the quality of our sausages which our members have thoroughly taste tested at our previous events and meetings,” he said.
The Upwey Men’s Shed has also been acquiring tools and equipment so they can start with a functioning shed when it is constructed.
Mr Wright said the group has received many donations of tools and equipment and grants have been received to purchase other items such as computers, first aid kit and a laser engraver.
“Our container, which we purchased this year, is full of equipment such as saw benches, lathes, hand tools and other hardware and we are currently unable to accept more donations until we can build our shed.
“Whilst we are preparing for our new shed, we are keeping members involved through our gatherings on Monday and Wednesday mornings where we enjoy the company and make new friends and share a cuppa,” he said.
The men’s shed also hold regular social coffee mornings where partners are also invited to come along to a local café or restaurant to socialise with each other.
This year Upwey Men’s Shed members carried out projects in the local community such as maintaining the outdoor decking and building sturdy benches for the new playground with the Upwey/Belgrave RSL, new seating at the Upwey Primary School playground, and upgrading the garden beds in Upwey’s Main street with the Upwey Community Group.
On 28 October they will be helping the Upwey Traders in holding an “Upwey Spectacular” in the Main Street, and selling tickets to our Christmas Raffle.
This week is also nationally recognised as Men’s Shed Week, and this week and they are celebrating 30 years across Australia.
For many men, the local men’s shed offers somewhere to go, something to do, and mates that make it all worthwhile.
The first community shed for men opened its doors in 1993, and since then the men’s shed community has grown to more than 2,500 sheds in 12 countries.
Nowadays there are 1,297 men’s, women’s and community sheds benefiting from membership of the Australian Men’s Shed Association.
A figure that surpasses even the number of McDonald’s restaurants around the country.
If anyone would like to become a member and help our fantastic Upwey community, call in for a chat on a Monday or Wednesday morning at the Upwey Township Hall or check out their new website upweymensshed.net.au
