Construction of a new Sebastopol Men’s Shed will proceed following the approval of a $20,000 grant under the national Stronger Communities Programme.
Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, confirmed the grant today saying it is critical to ensuring the $184,088 facility can be built.
The new men’s shed – a complete workshop and administrative facility – will be built in Vickers St, replacing the current operation in Yarrowee St.
“The current facility is privately owned and was only temporary anyway so it is terrific that the group can now look forward to its own new premises.
“It’s an exciting time for the Sebastopol Men’s Shed and I am so pleased for them.”
Ms King said the new building will include a separated woodwork and metalwork area, office space, training/presentation space, kitchen and dining facilities plus toilets and car parking.
“Men’s sheds are really important for many communities across our region. Sebastopol is no exception,” Ms King said.
”Sebastopol has a larger percentage of residents over the age of 60 (23.5%) than the rest of Ballarat and more than one in three households are single people living alone.
“Men in the community recognised a need to establish a shed where they could come together, make social connections and maintain an active body and mind.
“The shed now boasts a diverse group of men with interests in a range of different activities and community projects and the time has well and truly come when they need an expanded home they can call their own.
“I am really pleased they can now see that becoming a reality.”
The successful application for the $20,000 in Stronger Communities Programme funding was sponsored by Ballarat Community Health on behalf of the Sebastopol Men’s Shed.
The new shed is expected to be completed during the current financial year.
DATE: September 2nd 2016