Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty, left, announces funding for Natimuk Men's Shed that will be spent on refurbishing the building under the watchful eye of shed coordinator Graeme Hateley. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Two Wimmera men's shed groups will upgrade their buildings after receiving more than $40,000 in State Government funding.
Natimuk Men's Shed received $15,566 through the Strengthening Men's Sheds program, while Edenhope Men's Shed was granted $25,000.
Natimuk shed co-ordinator Graeme Hateley said the money would help establish the town's first men's shed.
"The shed we will be using was used as Natimuk Football Club's old dressing rooms and we need to do some work to get it up to a standard where we can use it," he said.
"We are really happy with the funding because we can now go ahead and do the refurbishment required.
"It really is going to be a good thing for the town because we have a number of retired people in the area.
"It is somewhere for people to come, have a cup of coffee and learn new skills with various sorts of machinery."
Edenhope Men's Shed secretary Tim O'Donnell said the $25,000 grant would be spent on improving disabled access to the shed and refurbishing the building.
He said he expected member numbers to swell when the new shed was operational.
"As a small rural community we are excited about what a men's shed can bring to a town like Edenhope," he said.
"Men's sheds can be a great way to get blokes into the community and have them feeling like they are giving something back.
"Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital, which is the auspice organisation for the men's shed, had a lot of input in helping us get this funding.
"Now we have the money it will be all guns blazing to get everything up and running."
Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said Edenhope Men's Shed would contribute $12,500 to the project.
"I am a strong supporter of men's sheds; they are a place for men to be able to connect with each other, to talk and share skills and assist the community," he said.
"The State Government recognises the significant role that men's sheds play in communities by engaging a wide range of men, including those with a disability, farmers, war veterans, retirees and the unemployed."
