Men's Shed project gets green light at Neerim Junction

A new Men’s Shed workshop costing $121,000 is to be built at Neerim Junction.

A state government grant of $80,000 towards the project has been boosted by $21,000 from the Neerim District Community Bank and $20,000 from the reserves of the Neerim District Community House and Men’s Shed.

Community House and Men’s Shed president Terry Bailey said Neerim was one of the few men’s sheds in Victoria without a workshop but the new building would include a do-it-yourself vehicle maintenance bay and metal and other work areas.

A special feature will be a technology centre to encourage members to embrace digital technology.

Mr Bailey expects the new workshop will be in use next April.

Established 10 years ago, the Neerim district men’s shed has 50 members from most small communities in the northern part of Baw Baw Shire.

They spend more than 450 hours in face-to-face contact each month.

Mr Bailey said it activities spread from morning coffees, fellowship meeting, a walking group, book reading and theatre groups, delivering community projects and visiting other men’s sheds.

It gives individual members the opportunity to connect with others and get targeted support where needed.

Baw Baw Shire Council has granted a 30-year lease at a “peppercorn rent” on property it owns in Court Rd, Neerim Junction.

Neerim District Community Bank chairperson Bruce MacDougall said he was delighted the bank could support the funding provided from the government’s Men’s Shed funding program to help make the project a reality.

The bank has provided $3 million in support for community groups within the district since it was established 21 years ago.

Mr Bailey said the funding application to the government was given widespread formal support from organisations such as Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, the local medical centre and other men’s sheds.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said it was a pleasure for her to support the application for the maximum amount available from the funding program.

Men’s sheds quite literally save lives by improve health and wellbeing of members, reducing social isolation, promoting inclusion and making new mates, she said.