Roof replacement a reality following grant success

OCEAN Grove & District Men’s Shed will receive one of its biggest government grants to date as the Allan government rolls out a series of funding announcements to men’s sheds across the state.

The local men’s shed, based on Smithton Grove, was one of 28 men’s sheds named as the latest recipients of the Men’s Shed Funding Program and will receive $40,000 for a roof replacement and solar panel works.

State Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said she was thrilled to announce the men’s shed as a recipient.

“Ocean Grove & District Men’s Shed provides a welcoming place for locals to learn new skills, contribute to the community and improve wellbeing,” Ms Marchant said.

“This grant will go a long way to help Ocean Grove & District Men’s Shed continue their important work in the Ocean Grove, and wider Bellarine community.”

Lara & District Men’s Shed is another organisation in the Greater Geelong region to receive program funding, receiving $5,060.

The Victorian government has provided 487 grants to men’s sheds since 2015, through annual $1 million investments.

Ocean Grove & District Men’s Shed president Peter Dearing said co-ordinator and grant writer Bruce Ward has worked very hard behind the scenes to advocate for funding.

“Bruce was up at Parliament House where the men’s sheds in attendance had a display and lobbied with at least three politicians prior to our application outcome,” Mr Dearing said.

“Alison as well has been instrumental in advocating for us. She understands the impact men’s sheds can have on communities here on the Bellarine given she’s lived here her whole life so we can’t thank her enough.

“The roof has been a renovation we have wanted to do for a long time, so we’re glad we can finally move ahead with it.”

More information on the state government’s men’s shed program can be found HERE.