Ocean Grove Men’s Shed moves a step closer

The Ocean Grove & District Men’s Shed is moving closer to having a permanent local meeting place, thanks to generous support from local organisations including the Ocean Grove Community Enterprise (OGCE).

The men’s group is in the process of relocating from Queenscliff Neighbourhood House to the Smithton Grove industrial estate, where it will operate for the next two years while working towards a permanent home.

The shed was one of six local organisations to share in more than $13,000 grants allocated through the Ocean Grove Community Enterprise (OGCE) in its first round of funding this year.

The funding has been invaluable in the on-going search for a permanent home for the Men’s Shed, contributing to planning application costs.

Men’s shed co-ordinator Bruce Ward said the search has been a long process which has so far failed to finalise development of a site. However the group will continue to work with the City of Greater Geelong to secure a permanent home.

Meanwhile, property development company Kingston Estate Ocean Grove has generously provided rent-free use of a large shed for the next two years while the group continues to work towards its long term goal. The group is currently in the process of fitting out the shed and hopes to expand its hours of operation and membership in the near future.

So for those not in the know, what exactly is a “men’s shed”?

It’s hardly a new idea; men around the world have been gathering in garages to talk “tools and toys” for as long as there have been sheds - using the comfortable surroundings of their own space to share their ideas, experiences and thoughts on the world at large.

The concept of a dedicated, community-based Men’s Shed, however, is relatively new. The Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) was formed in 2007 to provide men of all ages and from walks of life with a place to get together, not only to share and compare skills, but also as a discussion outlet for the increasingly important area of men’s health. The Men’s Shed motto: “Men don’t talk face to face, they talk shoulder to shoulder.”

There are now over 500 registered Men’s Sheds around the country, making AMSA one of the biggest non-profit organisations in Australia focusing on the issues of men’s well-being.

The Ocean Grove & District Men’s Shed has been meeting for more than two years, with around 20 current members enthusiastically involved in activities ranging from wood and metal-work to gardening and barbecues.

The group is planning to sell items members have made at the next two Ocean Grove Community Markets, as well as offering items for sale from its new site.

The Ocean Grove & District Men’s Shed also carries out projects for other community organisations, such as building art easels for Queenscliff Community House, card trays for Ocean Grove Bridge Club and shelves for the Ocean Grove Toy Library.

Director of the Ocean Grove Community Enterprise Jon Mamonski said the men’s shed was a great example of the local community working together to improve the lives of Ocean Grove residents.

“OGCE has already helped around 20 local organisations with more than $38,800 in funding, since it began in 2008,” Mr Mamonski said.

The enterprise allocates grants for community projects twice a year. Applications for the next round close September 30, 2011. Visit http://www.oceangrovece.org/ to download the application form.

Ocean Grove Community Enterprise raises money through a dividend provided by the Bendigo Bank when customers nominate it as their chosen charity. Funds are also raised when businesses in Ocean Grove choose the Geelong Community Telco as their phone and data provider. This funding pool helps local groups like Ocean Grove & District Men’s Shed achieve big things in the community.