A Men’s Shed has collaborated with Hobsons Bay City Council in Victoria to help bring historic facilities back to their former glory.
Most recently the Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed set to work on the construction of five new heritage-look shelters to complement the newly restored Williamstown Croquet Club.
The group are also playing a vital role in revitalising the historical Truganina Explosives Reserve homestead in Altona and reconstructing the explosives carriage.
Hobsons Bay Mayor Sandra Wilson said the partnership is a winning solution for all involved.
“By using the skills and talent of Men’s Shed members we are able to achieve a far better outcome for these buildings than we could have otherwise.
“We are extremely grateful that the men and women in the Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed have donated their time to restoring our city’s historical treasures.”
Council provided tools and materials to construct the players’ shelters, which will be constructed in the same style as the recently renovated club building.
“The Croquet Club generously made a voluntary donation which enabled the purchase of a specialised tool for the shelter construction as a token of their appreciation,” the Mayor said.
“The Williamstown Croquet Club was opened in 1910 and was considered one of the most prestigious and exclusive establishments of the era.
“The construction of viewing shelters on the grounds in the original style will help restore the facility to its former glory.”
Mayor Wilson said that the Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed has a proven track record for successfully restoring heritage buildings in the community.
“The Men’s Shed is helping the Truganina Explosives Reserve Preservation Society (TERPS) bring the historical homestead back to life using traditional methods and original materials under heritage expert guidance.”
The homestead was established in 1901 for the storage and handling of commercial explosives, but it had recently fallen into disrepair.
“In addition, [the volunteers] are rebuilding the explosives carriage using the original metal parts and new woodwork,” said the Mayor.
Colin Dyall, Vice President of the Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed, said that the collaboration with the Williamstown Croquet Club and Council provided members with an opportunity to hone their existing skills and further contribute to the community.
“In addition to those who are new to renovation, many of our members are retired tradesmen, so these projects offer them a productive outlet to use their skills and give something back to the local community.
“This is a win-win arrangement because the work which we are undertaking is too time-intensive to be profitable for professional tradespeople.
“The bodies might be getting old but the brains are still active.”
