Men's Shed project may not have started without grant
The new shed for Umina Beach Men's Shed in Osborne Ave, Umina, is expected to be completed in November, after delays due to the weather, shortage of building materials and the impact of the coronavirus on the workforce.
However, the project may have taken even longer if it were not for a $70,000 grant from Ettalong's Bendigo Bank branch.
The grant went towards the fees associated with the planning, development and construction of a new shed.
"Without this significant funding from Bendigo, it would have not been possible to undertake this project," Men's Shed chairman Mr Darrell Pannowitz said.
"We are a not-for-profit organisation with limited opportunities to raise revenue.
"This sponsorship largely contributed to kick start the preparation of designs and plans leading to the lodgement of a development application to Council."
Local bank branch director Mr Kerry Watkins said that the bank had made a number of large contributions to Peninsula groups in recent years as a result of increased profits, with 80 per cent of profits going to the community.
Mr Watkins said: "It took quite a while for the branch to trade profitably and now with the support from the community we can return our profits back to the community.
"The more the community supports the branch the more the branch can support the community.
"We see the Mens Shed as a terrific resource for the community, not only providing services to numerous organisations and residents on the Peninsula but also proving to maintain the well being and health of its members who participate in their projects."
Mr Pannowitz said that residents who would like to be part of the team may contact secretary Mr Vic Brown on 4342 9606 to join.
Pictured are Mr Pannowitz, Ettalong Bendigo Bank director Mr Bruce Croft and Mr Brown.
SOURCE:
Media release, 26 Jul 2022
Kerry Watkins, Ettalong Bendigo Bank