Foundations were ready last Friday for the pouring of concrete. “It’s the first phase of the Men’s Shed going up,” President Ern Walder told The Free Press.
“We received a State Government grant of $60,000 and we’ll need up to another $30,000 for the lining, kitchen and toilet. We are fundraising for the extra $30,000.”
The location follows negotiations between the State Government’s Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, and indigo Shire Council.
Situated in the showgrounds behind the High Street Rutherglen Kindergarten and Rutherglen Police Station, the 28m long x 10m wide shed will be at least four times larger than the original Men’s Shed building - a double room area under cover but with no side walls - at the rear of GlenView Residential Aged Care operated by Indigo North Health.
But after several years at the site, the Men’s Shed outgrew the location. “Our membership grew and we simply had limited space there,” Mr Walder explained. “We’ve gone from two or three very regular members to 12 very regular members and we have up to 20 members.
“This will be excellent.” Secretary/treasurer Ted Shanks agreed and recalled the original days of the ‘Men’s Shed’ before the first home. “It was ‘Glenview Mobile Men’s Shed’,” he said.
“We had a trailer and used to go to Chiltern, Wahgunyah and Springhurst. Chiltern and Wahgunyah have their own Men’s Shed now.”
A Go Fund Me for Rutherglen web site exists for any financial donations to complete the big project, which would be gratefully received. Donations are tax deductible. For further information, give Ern Walder a call on 0409 554 762.
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