MEMBERS at the Torquay Community Men\u2019s Shed can now exercise their green thumbs with the installation of a vegetable and flower garden.<\/p>\n
The garden was built with the help of a $5,274 grant from the federal government\u2019s Stronger Communities Program, and Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson officially opened it by planting a camellia in the garden on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Men\u2019s Shed president John Williams said the garden occupied a space to the rear of the shed buildings previously filled with junk.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are always looking at ways to expand our activities and gardening was a natural addition.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the group was hoping to add outdoor tables and chairs in the flower garden so it can be used as a social area during the summer months, and harvesting produce from the vegie garden had begun.<\/p>\n
Overall shed attendances were up 38 per cent last year and new members are always welcome.<\/p>\n
Since moving into its new shed at Price Street (behind the Torquay Senior Citizens Centre) in 2012, the Men\u2019s Shed has expanded its programs beyond its initial wood workshop.<\/p>\n
While many of members come just for the cuppa and chin wag at the \u201ctable of knowledge\u201d, the shed also has a Monday afternoon singing group, and a cooking group who that works at the Torquay College kitchens and interact with the students.<\/p>\n
The metal workshop is now fully fitted out, there is a movie group once a month and the Men\u2019s Shed is consulting with other Men\u2019s Shed groups across the region about establishing a weekly radio program.<\/p>\n
Mr Williams said the Stronger Communities grant, received in September 2016, came about after a discussion with Ms Henderson about the group\u2019s activities, so it was fitting that she opened the garden.<\/p>\n
Ms Henderson said the Stronger Communities Program supported a range of community and not-for-profit organisations.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe provide $150,000 per round \u2013 not a huge amount of money, but we see great value in supporting organisations such as Men\u2019s Sheds because it\u2019s all about building stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
MEMBERS at the Torquay Community Men\u2019s Shed can now exercise their green thumbs with the installation of a vegetable and flower garden. The garden was built with the help of a $5,274 grant from the federal government\u2019s Stronger Communities Program, and Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson officially opened it by planting a camellia in the […]<\/p>\n