By KATH GANNAWAY
A NEW kitchen area is in sight for Ben’s Shed at Yarra Junction, following the announcement last week of a $16,890 State Government grant.
Seymour MP and Liberal Candidate for Eildon, Cindy McLeish and Nationals Candidate and O’Shannassy Ward Councillor Jim Child, called into the Men’s Shed on Friday, 17 October, with the good news.
Ms McLeish said she was pleased to be providing the funds in response to some of the needs identified during previous visits.
The grant is to close off the dining and meeting area from the work area.
Ms McLeish said closing off that area would help the Men’s Shed meet OH&S requirements and make it a more user-friendly space.
She said she expected the funds would be made available within a couple of weeks.
“This is not an election commitment, this is real money and you will be able to get on with the job,” she told the men, and women, who had been eagerly awaiting the announcement.
Treasurer Leigh Hardy said the group already had plans drawn up to refurbish the shed, including addressing problems with the open dining and meeting area, and was in discussion with Yarra Ranges Council in relation to funding.
Cr Child said the council acknowledged they had a responsibility to do work on the building.
He told the group they were in a good position to leverage the State Government funds against council funds.
