By Parker McKenzie
Two community groups have collaborated on a project for the Upwey Community Garden, making use of local woodworking skills.
The Upwey Men’s Shed was contacted by The Upwey Community Group to create two benches for the garden, delivering the gift to the community despite having no permanent home of their own.
President of Upwey Men’s Shed Gerran Wright said a member of the group constructed the benches at his own home.
“A couple of other guys visited him, including me, to help assemble,” he said.
“We did an initial model that they liked and we’ve made improvements to that and constructed the two benches.”
The Men’s Shed raised $250,000 through grants and fundraising efforts to for the construction of a permanent home within the Upwey community but has been unable to find a suitable or available location for the past three years after several proposed sights were knocked back.
Upwey Community Group’s Andrew Peterson said both groups are local, community-focused not-for-profit organisations.
“They’re a group of gentlemen looking for companionship and activity to keep themselves mentally and physically fit,” he said.
“This was a task they took on for us to build two new benches for the garden next to Main Street, and they’ve done a wonderful job.”
Mr Peterson said the Men’s Shed would be able to do much more work for the local community if they had a place to call their own.
“Upwey revolves around community connection, it’s a great community and lots of people contribute to it,” he said.
“It’s a little town off the side of the highway with a population of around 6000 and the community is a huge part of it.
“If anyone has a way or any ideas to help the Upwey Men’s Shed, we would love to hear them.”
The Men’s Shed continues to meet on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Upwey Township Hall for coffee and chat sessions but would like a home of their own to support future projects for the community.
Mr Wright said the people continue to support the organisation and he is hopeful 2023 will be the year they find a permanent home.
“We got some really good help from DEMAK Timber in Ferntree Gully, who donated the timber for the benches to the Men’s Shed,” he said.
“It’s difficult when individual members are doing the work themselves and we all have limited space to accommodate projects in our own garages or sheds.”
The Upwey Community Garden — where the benches will be installed — is located at 72-76 Main Street, Upwey.
To find out more about the Upwey Men’s Shed or Community Group, visit upweymensshed.org.au and upweycommunitygroup.org.au.
