Rutherglen Community Men’s Shed member Brett Wiltshire with his “Where There’s a Will” bat competition entry. The bat reflects everything Rutherglen is known for, including wine, canola, the old rush era and Indigenous people.
The Rutherglen Community Men’s Shed is busier than ever this winter with many projects on the go including transforming a cricket bat into a piece of art to increase awareness and inclusion for people with disabilities.
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The Men’s Sheds Bat for Will project is a meaningful collaboration between the Australian Men’s Shed Association and ‘Willo’ (Where There’s a Will) – a national charity aimed at connecting communities to disability. Each men’s shed is required to simply create a piece of art from a cricket bat which will go on exhibition.
The Bat for Will competition is inspired by Will, a young man with Autism who has faced significant challenges in his life. With Will’s resilience, love of life and his passionate love of sport, especially cricket, the Where There’s a Will charity was born.
The idea was to teach Will skills through refurbishing cricket bats. It is now the catalyst for communities to learn how to change the way they see, include and support all people with intellectual and physical challenges.
Leading the charge on this fantastic initiative locally is Rutherglen shed member Brett Wiltshire, who has a disability himself, and has been working hard with the assistance of local artist Robyn Patterson-Elliott.
Mr Wiltshire’s bat entry represents the Rutherglen region and history, featuring colourful illustrations of wine, gold, canola and the Indigenous people.
Rutherglen Community Men’s Shed President Ern Walder said it was great to have Mr Wiltshire involved in the project.
“It’s been a great project for Brett to sink his teeth into,” Mr Walder.
“He’s taken ownership of it and has been really enthusiastic about it all.”
Mr Wiltshire said he has enjoyed the process of creating art with a cricket bat.
“It’s been a lot of fun to work on and given me a bit of confidence,” he said.
Elsewhere in the shed Mr Walder said the men have been busy cutting, splitting and bagging their premium kindling with demand very high.
“Our kindling, which is our major fundraiser, is available from Mitre 10, Rutherglen Newsagency, Rutherglen Butchery or down here at the shed on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” Mr Walder said.
There’s plenty of projects firing up at the Rutherglen Community Men’s Shed this month including producing bags of kindling for local residents, refurbishing antique furniture, and designing a cricket bat for the “Where There’s a Will” charity to create awareness and inclusion for people living with disabilities. Pictured is Steve Jones, Graham Climas, Ern Walder (president) and Brett Wiltshire.
“We thank the retailers and customers who have supported us so far with the kindling project.
“At present, we are producing around 30 bags a week.”
Recently the shed was successful in obtaining a grant under the ‘Solar on Public Buildings Program’ managed by DELWP, with solar panels installed on the roof.
“Down the track we will look at getting a battery as well, so that we are more energy efficient,” Mr Walder said.
Other projects being undertaken by the Men’s Shed include refurbishing furniture and creating incredible woodwork pieces which can be purchased from the shed.
The Rutherglen Community Men’s Shed are always welcoming new members who want to learn and share new skills, or just simply want to enjoy a cuppa and a yarn with other local men. To find out more pop down to 171 High Street Rutherglen on a Tuesday or Thursday morning, visit the Facebook page or contact president Ern Walder on 0409 554 762.
Feeling stoked! Shed member Graham Climas is ‘de-lighted’ to be making kindling for the community.
