Students from Launching Place, Millwarra, Wesburn and Gladysdale primary schools go along each week to do woodwork projects at Ben’s Shed in Yarra Junction and, according to Millwarra principal Rod Barnard, they come away with much more than the footstools, egg racks and tool boxes that they make.
“Some of the kids don’t have grandparents and the people here are good male role models, which is important for the boys and the girls.
“They build relationships with the people here and learn respect, co-operation and good basic skills, as well as getting to take home a special gift for their family,” he said.