Kilmore District Men’s Shed wins McEwen Powering Communities grant

KILMORE District Men’s Shed will be more energy efficient following its successful grant application through the McEwen Powering Communities Program.

Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell was more than happy to deliver the good news to the not-for-profit organisation last week when he dropped into the men’s shed for morning tea.

The Kilmore District Men’s Shed’s grant will provide them with $7873 to replace existing fluorescent lighting with LED lighting and a more energy efficient air conditioner for the summer months.

“It is great to see Kilmore District Men’s Shed continue to thrive, especially coming out of lockdown when isolation has been such an issue for so many,” Mr Mitchell said.

“The ability to upgrade equipment and reduce energy consumption is important for not-for-profit organisations like men’s sheds that provide such a vital space.”

As co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Men’s Shed’s, Mr Mitchell is keen to see the groups provide a strong path back for communities.

“Men’s sheds thrive, even when they start with just a few blokes, as they provide a place for men to get out, keep busy, use and pass on their skills and connect with their peers, supporting their physical and mental health,” he said.

Kilmore Men’s Shed secretary Ron Hamilton is excited the group can do its part for the environment.

“The boys, I say that because we are all still young at heart, at the Kilmore District Men’s Shed are excited to receive the grant award of over $7800 from the Powering Communities Program to change all our lighting to LED’s and to install an air con to the office,” he said.

“Without the help from Rob Mitchell’s office, it would not have been possible for us to change from the old regular lighting to the new cleaner, energy saving LED’s.

“Combined with our solar panels it will give us the opportunity for us to do our part to help the environment.”