The group is made up of five woodworking clubs around Victoria, including the local Ararat and District Woodies Club.

This year the group is donating $1000 to the Skate Park Fund and $1000 to breast cancer research. 

Last year the group made donations to Legacy and prostate cancer. 

“We chose these causes because they’re the ones probably in need. It depends what the club sees fit to donate to,” Ararat and District Woodies Club president David Mitchell said. 

The Central Western Woodworking Group has four meetings a year as well as other events, such as the annual Grampians U-Turn.

U-Turn offers a chance for wood turners within the five clubs to teach and learn about their craft.

This event is prepared for and run by the local Ararat and District Woodies Club and occurs at the Ararat Harness Racing Track. Mr Mitchell said most of the catering and food coming from local suppliers. 

The 2017 Grampians U-Turn which took place from April 28 to 30, saw an attendance of about 90 people.

Wives and partners joined in on the fun and while the event is mostly focused on the art of wood turning, there are plenty of other activities for participants to be involved in.

“We had a lady showing us how to make jewelry as well. Last year there was someone showing us how to make cards,” Mr Mitchell said. 

“It adds something for the ladies to do.”

There are two or three ladies who participated in wood turning at U-Turn as well.

Donations were raised through meal break raffles at the Grampians U-Turn as well as any surplus money from the admittance fee.

Mr Mitchell said there are about 15 members of the Ararat club this year and people of all ages come along to the weekly meetings. 

The Central Western Woodworkers Group will hand over the funds at the Croquet Club room at 11 am on June 1.