Whittlesea Men’s Shed has been awarded $37,000 in funding from the state government to improve its facilities.
Whittlesea Men’s Shed president Eric Gunstone said the money will be used to expand the workshop.
“We will relocate the laser cutter, and other loud machines, to free up the woodworking area,” Mr Gunstone said.
Mr Gunstone said the money will make a big difference, by separating the different working areas at the shed.
“It won’t just benefit the workshop … it’s just as much for the social side if we can move the noisy machines away from where the men are enjoying time together.”
The funding was awarded as part of the state government’s men’s shed funding program, which awarded $860,000 to 31 men’s sheds across the state.
Mr Gunstone said the Whittlesea Men’s Shed, which has been active since the 1980s, needs a revamp.
“It has grown at different stages with different people who have different ideas… in a higgledy piggledy manner… it’s like a dog’s breakfast.”
Mr Gunstone said he hopes the refurbishments will encourage visitors, and new members who are over 18 and mostly retired.
Mr Gunstone said the men all have different working backgrounds, with retired tradesmen, army men, insurance brokers, and a motor bike racer.
“Many retirees get a bit depressed or a bit bored…sitting at home… coming here gives them a purpose and breaks that monotony.”
Mr Gunstone said some men come in to work on personal projects, while others help out with collaborative efforts, like building picnic tables or, more recently, stage props for a theatre company.
The shed is open on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9am-2pm, there is also a women’s group on Wednesdays.
