Goroke celebration for men's shed

West Wimmera Shire Council representatives, Goroke Community Health Centre members and Goroke Apex and Lions club members were among people at the opening.

Wimmera Uniting Care chief executive Wendy Middleton opened the men's shed.

Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty, West Wimmera Shire Mayor Ron Hawkins and shed president Rob Stacy spoke at the opening.

Co-ordinator and treasurer Jeff Hillier said everyone enjoyed a barbecue after speeches.

He said he was overwhelmed with the support.

"The Mail-Times photographer was there too and that was fantastic,'' he said. "We really appreciate that, and the support everyone has showed us.''

Mr Hillier said the men's shed was important for Goroke.

"It's something the town really needs," he said.

"We're so remote and there are a lot of retirees in this area looking for something to do.

"Not everybody bowls.''

Mr Hillier and Goroke Community Health Centre unit manager Julie Worsley called for the men's shed two years ago.

West Wimmera Shire Council supported the idea and supplied a building for the group to use.

Mr Hillier and the group had applied for grants to upgrade the building's facilities, including making a toilet wheelchair accessible and setting up a tools area.

The shed has 17 members. More people signed up at the opening.

Mr Hillier said there were only two prerequisites for joining.

"You have to over 18, and you have to be male,'' he said.

Mr Hillier said the men would make woodwork projects and sell them, with money going towards more tools and the general up-keep of the building.

At the opening Hugh Delahunty announced a Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Government would invest an extra $24,000 into men's sheds in the Lowan Electorate. He said the money would help purchase equipment and pay costs.

Mr Hillier said the shed was open on Mondays from 9am to noon and Wednesdays 9am to 4pm, at 21 Main Street, Goroke. He said membership cost $10.