Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has congratulated the Boorowa Men’s Den on successfully applying for $20,000 under Round 2 of the Stronger Communities Programme.

“The Boorowa Men’s Den has a tremendous amount of support from the Boorowa community, in particular the Bendigo Community Bank and the Boorowa Shire Council (now Hilltops Council),” Mr Taylor said.

“They are looking to build a new Men’s Den on Pudman Street next to the fire station and I am so pleased to announce a further $20,000 funding for the project under the Stronger Communities Programme.”

Men’s Den president Bill Gordon says he and fellow members are excited about the Den’s future.

“A new, larger shed will provide the existing facilities for woodwork and cold steel work plus a new metal work and welding bay. This will attract new members as a number of blokes have expressed an interest in metalwork,” he said.

“The improved kitchen facilities, larger sitting area and disabled toilet will suit men not using the workshop.

“It will be shared with the Community Garden group, hopefully leading to cross fertilisation (pun intended) of ideas - and the area between two shipping containers will be covered by a sail, and used for outdoor activities, BBQs and the like.

“All in all, the Men’s Den and its surrounds, and the Community Garden, will be well positioned to be a hub of community activity.”

The aim of the Stronger Communities Programme is to improve community participation through the funding of a small capital project.

Federal funding grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 for small capital projects were available under Round 2 of the Stronger Communities Programme.