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Darren Chester commits up to $2.5M for a new Traralgon Men's Shed, relocating from flood-prone site

Darren Chester has committed up to $2.5 million to relocate Traralgon Men's Shed from a flood-prone site, ensuring a purpose-built facility to support volunteers and expand community projects.

By news@gippsland - 7th April 2025 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester will deliver up to $2.5 million in a grant to build a new Traralgon Men's Shed, if the Coalition wins the federal election on May 3. Mr Chester has announced the funding guarantee to relocate the facility from the flood-prone site at the Traralgon Recreation Reserve to a new precinct being developed by Latrobe City Council near the racecourse.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with Traralgon Men's Shed Treasurer-Secretary Lyn Matthews, President Pat Zaffina and Vice President Raymon Gillett

Future-proofing men's shed

Mr Chester said, "This is a major commitment to future-proof the Traralgon Men's Shed and provide a new home for the volunteers to continue their incredible work on behalf of the community, and I'm challenging the Labor Party to match the promise."

"I have a proven track record of delivering community infrastructure projects across the Latrobe Valley by working in partnership with local groups to understand their priorities and seek funding commitments from Canberra.

"It doesn't make any sense to keep investing in the current men's shed site because of the ongoing flood risk. A purpose-built facility, with all of the modern health and safety features, is the best outcome for the current and future shed members," said Mr Chester.

Flood relief commitment

Mr Chester has previously met with volunteers and Latrobe City Council officers who have highlighted their issues with the flooding situation and sought funding for the project. "There are designs in place, and all we need is the final costing and a major funding commitment like this to get the project started. I will be working hard to win the seat of Gippsland and help the Coalition secure government to ensure we can deliver this outstanding project for the Latrobe Valley."

Traralgon Men's Shed Treasurer-Secretary Lyn Matthews has welcomed the announcement. "We are a growing organisation, but our space is limited, and the risk of flooding on the current site is a constant threat to our operations and our valuable equipment. It would be a dream come true if we could move to a new site with facilities that would allow us to accommodate more members and undertake a broader range of projects."

"The men's shed movement around Australia is incredibly important for improving men's health and bringing people together to learn new skills and help their local communities. We have been able to help out after the Black Summer bushfires with picnic tables and other donations to communities that suffered enormous losses, and our 'buddy seats' for local schools have been very popular. Building a new shed will deliver benefits across our region, and we welcome this funding commitment," Mrs Matthews said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com