By Mikayla van Loon
The Montrose and District Men’s Shed was one of the lucky recipients of a volunteer grant from Casey MP Aaron Violi.
Looking to support more men, the shed has over the years expanded from just the woodworking side traditionally associated with Men’s Sheds and have sought to offer other activities.
For quite some time now the Montrose Men’s Shed has had a vision of starting a coffee club catch up but lacked the facilities to do so.
With the volunteer grant in hand however, the shed welcomed the installation of a coffee machine on Thursday 29 June.
Men’s Shed member Max Lamb said the idea is to eventually have a dedicated day where the men put the tools down just to talk but in the meantime the coffee machine will be available whenever the shed is open.
“The idea is on a day where there is no work out there, because once that gets going it’s too noisy, they will sit down and talk because that’s beneficial to men’s health,” he said.
“Just to sit and talk about their problems and bring them out of their loneliness, so it’s about trying to get them together without the noise of the machines.”
Montrose Men’s Shed was just one of 21 to receive a grant between $1000 and $5000, with the Morrison’s Men’s Shed in Mount Evelyn and the Lilydale SES also receiving a grant.
Mr Violi said being able to support the groups and members of the community who volunteer their time is a great part of the volunteer grants program.
“We have so many valuable community organisations that are made up of hardworking local volunteers. These people give so much without expecting anything in return,” he said.
Knowing the commitment the Montrose Men’s Shed has to men’s health, Mr Violi said it was a wonderful opportunity to grant funds to enable that social connection.
“I’m glad we can support with the coffee machine. I was chatting to Max about how you’re going to try and set up the coffee club which is another important element and I know how much the Men’s Shed means,” he said.
“It is important to have a Men’s Shed to be able to get together and have that connection socially so we talk to each other.”
Growing the social side of the men’s shed in Montrose has always been a focus, with the Monday walking club still thriving seven years on.
“It’s a core group of about 11 and we walk every Monday starting at eight o’clock here and we drive to somewhere and walk for about 10 or 12 kilometres and have a coffee break somewhere along the line, preferably halfway,” Reg Wright said.
Despite the winter chill, it doesn’t stop the group from meeting, with Mr Wright saying “seven years and we’ve only missed two days.”
Montrose and District Men’s Shed is located behind the Montrose Public Hall on Leith Road. To contact the group email montrosemensshed@gmail.com and enquire about getting involved.
