April 2008

Eaglehawk men head for the shed

Singer/songwriter John Williamson wrote a song about every Australian man needing a shed.

John would be very happy to know that Eaglehawk men now have access to their own ‘men’s shed’ community facility thanks to funding from the Government through the Neighbourhood Renewal program and local agencies.

The Menshed @ The Hub, which has been fitted out in a disused garage on the grounds of the popular Bright Street Enterprise Hub, has been opened by Housing Minister Richard Wynne. 

‘Menshed @ The Hub is a community facility which allows local men to pursue their hobbies and build friendships.

‘Users of the shed talk of the many benefits of having a place to meet, talk, build things and have fun.

‘Thanks to $5,000 from Empowering Eaglehawk, benches and equipment from Bendigo Access Employment and $9,380 from Neighbourhood Renewal, Menshed @ The Hub is ready for action.’

Mr Wynne has also announced an additional $24,250 in Government funding for The Hub, of which $14,870 will go to the purchase of furniture and equipment and $9,380 for a new tool library in operate from the men’s shed.

The men’s shed and the Bright Street Enterprise Hub are important parts of the Neighbourhood Renewal initiative, which has been operating in the Eaglehawk area since July 2002.

In addition to local residents, partners in the important Eaglehawk community facilities are the Government through Neighbourhood Renewal, the City of Greater Bendigo, Bendigo Access Employment, the Brotherhood of St Laurence and local philanthropic trust, Empowering Eaglehawk.