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Wednesday 13 February 2019
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No time lost as shed men ready for move
WESTERN Port Men’s Shed members are busy helping others in the community while they prepare for their move into larger premises at Bittern later this year. The shed’s president and treasurer Colin Prowd said members eagerly assisted with projects, such as building raised garden beds, bench seats and a mud kitchen for the children at Wallaroo Pre-School, and doing bike maintenance for Wallaroo Primary School for Bike Education. “We fix tables and chairs for people, and we constructed the raised garden beds for the Salvation Army Community Garden as well as garden beds and picnic settings for the VCAL students at the Community Hub,” he said. “We have made bug hotels for Balnarring Pre-School and we also do projects for local elderlies, such as making access ramps for those who find it difficult going up steps into their homes.” Members are able to do their own projects using the shed’s tools. “We are selffunded so we are active doing barbecues at Bunnings, as well as local markets where we sell articles that members make,” Mr Prowd said. “We also have social outings for members, with the next being a bus trip to the Lost Trades Fair in Kyneton in March.” Skilled hands: Hans Bremmen and Joseph Guthrie are among the members of Western Port men’s Shed who make life easier for many members of the community. Picture: Yanni
Cash-strapped festival says ‘no thanks’ to AGL Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au ORGANISERS of the 50th Western Port Festival at Hastings say they have knocked back potential sponsorship from AGL despite being short of money and “up in the air” over grants promised by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. The festival committee is hoping to raise $200,000 through online fund-
raising, but by Monday had received just $1600, including $1000 from the Save Westernport group.. “A unanimous vote [of the committee] was passed to not accept any AGL money,” event manager Yvens Ferraz De Camargo said, citing community concerns over the power provider’s plans to moor a floating gas import and processing terminal at Crib Point. Feelings are running high at Western Port over concerns the project poses health and safety risks to people and
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the bay’s environment. Mr De Camargo said AGL’s potential involvement had “touched a nerve with festival committee members”. “[Rejecting a possible AGL offer] was a no-brainer,” he said. “After three committee meetings and despite being desperately in need of funds we voted to refuse. It wasn’t a hard decision. “The festival has survived for 49 years and, if we have to scale back with promotion, printing and even some of the free activities we will, but we will
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not engage AGL for sponsorship. “We are hoping the community will stand behind us on our decision with AGL and support us.” Many other sporting organisations and community groups on the peninsula have accepted money from AGL. AGL spokesperson Mike Duffy said the company made an initial approach regarding sponsorship but “didn’t hear back” from festival organisers. The theme of the festival to run on 22, 23 and 24 February is: “Harbour of
Friendships; celebrating Arts, Music and Multicultural Diversity”. Mr De Camargo said the events team had decided to target more local businesses for sponsorships. “An $80 entry level sponsorship for local businesses, groups, schools and individuals will put their names or message on the crowd control fencing,” he said. Other money comes from stallholders and through the shire’s triennial grant of $18,975 which ends this year. Continued Page 4