Harper Sercombe
The Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR) has awarded a grant to the Whittlesea Men’s Shed.
The grant is a part of a $430,000 initiative to boost 44 projects in remote, rural and regional Victoria.
The $1720 donation will be used to run a women’s woodwork course to increase volunteer membership and create opportunities for skills development and connection for older women by conducting a woodwork program.
The men’s shed’s secretary Brian Pratt said the grant will allow 12 women the chance to participate in the course.
“We have run two sessions like this before,” he said.
Mr Pratt said women have been requesting these sessions. However, the men’s shed will not be able to cater for everyone due to the demand from the community.
The course is still being designed and will run towards the end of 2023 or at the beginning of 2024.
FRRR place portfolio lead Jill Karena said it is inspiring to see the determination and resilience of community groups and local leaders.
“We’ve seen a shift in project focus, with a significant increase in initiatives that address the well being and sustainability of community organisation,” she said.
“These grants may be relatively small, but they can make a mighty difference.”
