After months away from their Kokoda Park shed, members of Ararat's Men's Shed were back on the tools this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ararat Men's Shed secretary Robert O'Connell said about 15 local men meet every Tuesday and Thursday between 12pm and 3.30pm.
"We are always looking for new members and it's not just about making things, it's the social aspect that is really important as well," Mr O'Connell said.
READ MORE:
The coronavirus pandemic forced the closure of the much loved shed since March.
The shed recently received funding grants from Pacific Hydro and the Department of Health and Human Services to help pay for new work benches, tools, equipment and running costs.
"Men's Shed was initially set up as a social avenue for older men experiencing social isolation," Mr O'Connell said.
"It has since grown and people can come in and sit down, have a cup of coffee and chat in the social areas, but also participate in projects in the workshop space."
Last October, new legislation passed federal parliament, giving Men's Sheds the opportunity to apply for Deductible Gift Recipient status, meaning that for the first time, individual sheds will be able to receive tax-deductible donations directly from individuals and businesses.
Australian Men's Shed Association executive officer David Helmers said the new legislation reinforced that Men's Shed is more than just a shed.
"While hundreds of Victorian sheds were in lockdown, there were still several major developments in shed world, showing the enormous value of the movement," Mr Helmers said.
If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Ararat Advertiser, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ararat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from The Ararat Advertiser. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Ararat shire, sign up here.