Council has given in-principle support to developing a new home for the Grovedale Men's Shed program as part of a planned community complex in Armstrong Creek West.
The Grovedale Men's Shed program is one of 14 men's sheds in Greater Geelong, and was based at Club Armstrong in Armstrong Creek for five years before a recent relocation to Foundation 61 in Mount Duneed.
The City set aside $50,000 in this year's budget to identify a new home for the group that meets its needs, and has analysed 15 potential sites.
The analysis saw three sites shortlisted: Mount Duneed Recreation Reserve, John Croft Reserve in Grovedale, and the planned Armstrong Creek West community complex.
The Armstrong Creek West option was chosen as the best based on:
- Its location in a Neighbourhood Activity Precinct, close to sporting facilities, schools and retail;
- The ability to co-locate the men's shed with other proposed facilities, creating the potential for shared/multi-use buildings; and
- The likely minimal impact on the local community, given the precinct is identified in existing plans for the area.
The precinct, on the corner of Unity and Sovereign Drives, includes the Armstrong Creek West sporting reserve and Armstrong Creek West Primary School (both now under construction), and a planned retail development site. It is across the road from Club Armstrong.
The men's shed has indicated its preliminary support for the new site, pending detailed designs of the complex.
The group has noted the potential for development of shared spaces such as gardens with the school and other community groups as a major positive.
Mayor Bruce Harwood:
Men's Shed programs make an important contribution to health and wellbeing in our region, and the Grovedale group is a great example.With 30 members, they're a thriving shed and a valued part of the local community. We'll be pleased to see them gain a new home as part of the planned community complex.
We'll now involve the group in the design of the facility, so we make sure they're getting a new home that gives them everything they need to succeed and grow.
Councillor Ron Nelson, Kardinia Ward:
Men's Sheds help men improve their mental health and give them a chance to talk about issues in a safe place. Mental health takes more lives than the road toll. Council sees the importance of community groups that make a positive difference in this space, and so we're looking forward to working with the Grovedale Men's Shed to design a new home that their members will enjoy.
