Torquay Men’s Shed gets donation from Grimley

The Torquay-based MP started the donations last month, deciding that he would give the extra money from a recent pay rise to all Victorian MPs back to the community.

Mr Grimley said the mental wellbeing the Torquay Men’s Shed helped provide its members with made them ideal recipients of the donation.

“Men’s sheds produce some amazing projects, but the real benefits of these groups is their ability to support each other and the community.

“Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party has a huge focus on mental health and this includes that of men, who are over-represented in the area of mental illness.”

The donation will be given to the shed in the form of 10 $50 Bunnings Warehouse vouchers. These vouchers will then be used by the men’s shed to go towards community projects.

“With this money, we will buy a lot of the wood that we make things from plus screws, bolts, welding rods,” Torquay Men’s Shed president John Williams said.

“At the moment we’re working on restoring a mini-car. When we get it finished hopefully we can sell it. The proceeds will go back into the Shed.”

He also noted the role the shed plays in promoting positive mental wellbeing.

“Men’s Sheds throughout Australia work very closely with Beyond Blue, so it is unofficially a men’s health organisation; it’s a place where they can come and work and have a chat.”

Mr Grimley’s first “Pollie Pay Rise” donation was to Geelong Mums last month.