By Parker McKenzie
The Upwey Men’s Shed has received funding through Casey MP Aaron Violi’s 2023-23 Volunteer Grants for Community and is aiming to use the money on computers to help with computer literacy for members.
The federal grants program supports local community groups enabling social inclusion and helping increase participation in volunteering.
Upwey Men’s Shed Secretary Roger Bailey said buying the computers will allow the Men’s Shed to train members in their use.
“It’s about becoming technically independent. It is easy to sit in front of a computer and realise you don’t know anything,” he said.
“Most of our members are retirement age, we’ve got some younger ones, but most are in a situation where they could become lost if they didn’t have us as a group.”
He said without a permanent home, the Upwey Men’s Shed has focused on offering social outings to its members.
“We are still committed to meeting our purpose and objective, which is focusing on men’s mental health and wellbeing,” Mr Bailey said.
“It is amazing how people respond to it, it is a good outlet.”
21 community groups received between $1000 and $5000 from the program to support the effort of volunteers.
Mr Violi said members of volunteer groups are the backbone of the Yarra Ranges community.
“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.
“I am thrilled to announce 21 local organisations in our community will be receiving a grant to assist with their important volunteer work. We all benefit from the work of volunteers, so it’s great to be able to give something back to so many groups right across our community.”
The Upwey Men’s Shed is still pursuing a permanent home in the township but has recently gained access to a storage site for tools and materials as the search continues.
Mr Bailey said recently the club has done work with Upwey Primary School and the local RSL.
“We helped the primary school sort out seating fashioned out of old logs and we’ve done some work at the RSL helping them restain their decking,” he said.
“We’re four years in the hunt for a home at the moment. There are others who’ve taken up to eight years that we know of to find somewhere.”
For more information on the Upwey Men’s Shed, visit upweymensshed.org.au
