A community shed and garden will be developed in the Armstrong Creek West precinct, subject to community consultation and further site analysis.
Council has agreed to provide in-principle support for the development at Sovereign DriveSports Reserve, after carrying out preliminary planning work to find a new home for the Grovedale Men's Shed group.
Community consultation for the new Social Infrastructure Plan 2020 identified an unmet demand for 'maker spaces' that are affordable and accessible in Greater Geelong. The City has found sufficient community need for a community shed and garden. The proposed site should have the capacity to accommodate a range of groups including the Grovedale Men's Shed program, which has 30 members and is one of 14 men's sheds in the region.
The sporting reserve site was found to be the most viable option, based on this consultation and the need to accommodate other community activities on the site in the future. The proposal is to collocate a community garden alongside the proposed community shed. This is in response to some recent interest from the local community in establishing a community garden in the local area.
The City will now be looking for local community members who have an interest in being part of a new community shed and garden in Armstrong Creek West/Mount Dunned to work with council looking at future options for its design and ongoing management.
Council has referred the matter to the 2020-2021 budget process for consideration.
Councillor Stephanie Asher - Mayor
The Grovedale Men's Shed keeps older men active and connected, whilst doing great work in the community helping others.
Council will consider the development during the upcoming budget process.
Councillor Bruce Harwood - Kardinia ward
This is terrific news for the Grovedale Men's Shed, which has been meeting at temporary sites over the years. This grassroots group gives local men a chance to come together, connect and develop skills. The program does fantastic things for mental health, as many of the men are retired or on their own.
The community garden is also an important component of this potential site and has come about following interest from nearby residents.
