Men at work: Barry Burbridge, with his pitchfork, is ready for a new garden. Picture: Marco De Luca
FIVE months after its formation, the Sunbury Men's Shed is continuing its healthy growth.
The 'shed', the second in the town, now has 45 members; it started with 10.
One of the them, Barry Burbridge, says they received many donations from businesses and residents to help set up the shed.
"We've had to get two containers to put in a lot of the donated items," he said.
"We've built benches around the edge of the building. All the equipment, tools and materials have been donated. We're hoping to start making a lot of kids' toys which they can use in the sandpit."
Mr Burbridge said the members were starting to fit out the building.
"Once we have moved all the donations into the containers, we'll have a bit more room. We've also started lining the inside of the shed."
He said the focus had been on wood and metal work so far.
Men's Sheds around the country are aimed at focusing on men's health issues, their well-being and promoting recreational activities.
The Sunbury shed, on Evans Street, recently received a further boost: a $1000 grant from Western Water as part of the Sammy's Community Garden Grants program.
Mr Burbridge, who is likely to look after the garden development at the site, said it was the next stage of expanding and starting a new activity for members.
"Many of the men no longer have a garden as they have moved house, so we're hoping to get quite [a] few men involved."
Currently the shed's garden has neither plants nor soil.
"The weather hasn't helped so we haven't been able to do much.
"What we are doing is using old pallets [used at shops to hold stock] as the base to build up the height.
"Then we won't have to put in as much soil. Also they will be at different heights, so some of them won't have to bend over to do the gardening."
Mr Burbridge said this was the start of a bigger gardening project.
"Eventually we will build a bigger garden out the back.
"We are also looking at putting in water tanks, so any water that runs off the roof won't go to waste."
The shed is currently open three mornings a week, and there are plans to expand it to five mornings next year.
* The Jill Gibbs Neighbourhood Garden in Sunbury received a $1000 grant from Western Water as part of the Sammy's Community Garden Grants program.