NEWS DESK
Men’s shed seeks funding go ahead Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au SAFETY Beach-Dromana men’s shed members can be “reasonably hopeful” their dreams of a new headquarters will be fulfilled. Although no formal approval of a grant from the Mornington Peninsula Shire has been given, the shed’s application for $40,000 funding has been favourably received and is being assessed. Members’ hopes now rest on inclusion in the shire’s mid-term budget review, which will be announced in the New Year. The men’s shed has around 30 members who meet at least three times a week to engage in community activities, socialise over coffee, and do some “pretty impressive trades work”, president Rick Plummer said. Members have put behind them the disappointment of being knocked back for a state government $60,000 grant in January. If that application had been successful – coupled with the shire’s promise to match it – members would have had $120,000 with which to build their new headquarters. Undeterred by the knockback, members have set about raising their own funds – about $40,000 – and asked the council to match it. Now they await the green light to build on their site at Dromana Recreation Reserve. The shire’s Director, Communities, Robin Adams, said the shed members had modified their plans for a
Looks like a plan: Graeme Morris and Rick Plummer at the proposed site of the Dromana Men’s Shed. Picture: Yanni
new shed after the state government knock-back. “I met with them and they were able to put forward a strong case for funding,” he said. “They are an incredible lot who have worked diligently, and they can be reasonably hopeful that we will be able to help them out. “We support them and, while there are no guarantees at this stage, they have convinced me they can pull it off.” The shed’s troubles began when they were asked to vacate their site at the Don Bosco Camp, Safety Beach, late last year after two years. Owners,
the Salesians of Don Bosco, based in Ascot Vale, cited a “lack of compatibility” between the shed’s activities and camp management’s aims of providing a safe and enjoyable experience for children. The eviction put in doubt the shed’s role in a range of community events, such as providing wood craft activities for the Dromana Australia Day Community Breakfast, woodwork instruction to school children, furniture restoration, community vegetable garden and many other activities. And it undermined the shed’s
concept of being an important social outlet for retired men who may otherwise feel isolated. Now things are looking up, with shed members modifying their plans to now build a $100,000 headquarters. Within 12 months of opening, they are confident of doubling their membership. “After being asked to vacate the camp the guys bonded together,” Mr Plummer said. “They are a stubborn group and got to work raising funds – we have sausage sizzles at Bunnings, which can raise $1500 on a weekend, and we had 80 year olds out deliver-
ing phone books mid-year; we haven’t stood still and we are not asking for handouts.” Donations of electrical equipment have been gratefully received and there’s even a promise of free earthworks by Dromana road and excavation company Maw Civil, which could save the shed project thousands. Managing director John Plumridge said “the money is not the issue” when confirming the free earthworks. “We have been supporting them for 12 months; they are lovely people and do worthy work.”
For more information please contact 1300 850 600 or 5950 1000 www.mornpen.vic.gov.au
NEW YEAR’S EVE | 2015 - 2016
NO ENTERTAINMENT NO NONSENSE Mornington Peninsula Shire is continuing to take a ‘No Entertainment - No Nonsense’ approach for the upcoming New Year’s Eve on the peninsula, working in partnership with a community-based steering committee, police and residents to reduce the negative impact of celebrations in the area. There are no organised public events or activities on the Mornington Peninsula on New Year’s Eve. Venues operating on New Year’s Eve will only be accessible by people who have pre-purchased tickets. Alcohol bans apply from December 30 to midnight 1 January 2016. Possession of sealed and unsealed containers of liquor in public places is prohibited (unless sealed containers are being transported from point-of-sale to vehicle or private residence for consumption). Possession of any glass container while in a public place is prohibited.
No camping is permitted in any public park or reserves.
There are no public displays of fireworks on New Year’s Eve. A person must not possess or discharge fireworks (fines apply).
The Rye Carnival will be closed on New Year’s Eve (day and night). Discharge of flares is prohibited except in cases of an emergency. CAR PARK CLOSED
Mornington Peninsula Shire working in collaboration with Victoria Police
Bus Service - Portsea to Safety Beach A free, one - way bus service will operate from Portsea to Safety Beach. *For route information please visit www.mornpen.vic.gov.au Security will be onboard at all times.
People are reminded to be extremely vigilant of fires: and particularly fire-safe on the peninsula. More information about fire safety can be found at: www.cfa.vic.gov.au or www.depi.vic.gov.au
The Rye Pier car park will be closed from approximately 4.00pm on New Year’s Eve (or at Police discretion). Minor road closures are expected in Rye from 11pm - 1am.
000
EMERGENCY
In the event of an emergency call 000.
Have a safe New Year Southern Peninsula News 22 December 2015
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