Shed cash stacks up

MT EVELYN men facing retirement now have an excuse to step back into the shed.
This comes as Morrison House received a $50,000 cash boost for its men’s shed project, known as the Mountain Men program.
Monbulk MP James Merlino recently announced the funding as part of a men’s shed grant program.
The project was one of 25 projects across the state to share in $1 million in the first round of funding.
Most men involved in men’s sheds programs are more than 50 years old with many having experienced life changing circumstances, such as leaving the paid workforce or health problems.
Mature aged men in Mt Evelyn will now have a new place to build skills, friendships and useful bits and pieces.
Morrison House chief Jan Simmons said the current program was so popular that the men needed more space to work.
Currently the men only have a small garden shed to store equipment, which means that they are forced to work outside most of the time.
Ms Simmons said this cash was a fantastic boost for the program.
She said the project received $25,000 funding from the Bendigo Bank to build the shed and this latest injection would go towards outfitting shed with workspaces and benches.
Mr Merlino said the funding would enable a new Mountain Men shed in Mt Evelyn to give local men a place to get together, be creative and get involved in community activities that interest them.
He said the project would give older men in the area, a place to relax and learn new skills while working on projects that provide practical benefits to the local community – such as fixing tables and chairs at the local school.
Ms Simmons said the project was a great way for retired men to meet and socialise with like-minded people.
“Men plan badly for retirement, a lot think they can just stop work and relax but soon find themselves alone,” she said.
“This program gives them a place to come together and enjoy retirement.”