Boarding the bus with community project

The boards have been attached to shelters in Torquay’s entrances along the Surf Coast Highway and Great Ocean Road.

The Torquay Community Men’s Shed produced and painted this year’s boards. The signings were co-ordinated by Surfing Victoria and sponsored by De Witt & Cruz – Loan Mates.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Rose Hodge commended the work of the Men’s Shed in “celebrating our globally renowned clean-water surfing and making Australia’s original Surf City a bit brighter”.

This is the third year surfboards have been installed to brighten the bus stops around the region.

Torquay Community Men’s Shed member Vern Stott played a significant role in crafting the boards, saying the creation of the decorative surfboards required unorthodox methods.

“It wasn’t a straightforward job. We couldn’t fit them on our bench-saw because they were too wide, so we had to free hand cut them with a jigsaw.”

This was particularly difficult as Mr Stott needed to cut the boards so they were curved evenly. But despite the challenges, the craftsmanship in the boards is clear to see.

Mr Stott said he had found it a rewarding experience.

“It’s one of the more unusual things the Men’s Shed has been asked to do, but we were pleased to be able to make them.”

Project founder John De Witt said the community’s support had made the continued improvement of the bus stops possible.

“The project could not have been done without our community, its involvement and commitment for all the community’s enjoyment.”