Leschenault Men’s Shed receives more than $366,000 grant from Lotterywest to help with facility expansion

A South West community group had the joy of unwrapping an early Christmas present this year.

Last week, the Leschenault Men’s Shed officially received a $366,878 grant from Lotterywest to help cover help construction and fit-out costs as it plans to double the group’s Leisure Drive base.

The grant will allow the group — which has been hoping to expand since 2019 — to share the facility with the Australind Lions Club.

The handover ceremony for the grant was attended by members of both non-for-profit organisations, Shire of Harvey councillors and senior staff, Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke and Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns.

Ms Hanns represented Premier Mark McGowan for the first time at the event, in her new role as Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier.

Harvey Shire president Paul Gillett, who attended the ceremony, said it was fantastic to see the group receive the funding.

“The Leschenault Men’s Shed is one of my favourite success stories,” he said.

“They have done wonders for the wellbeing of local men and they also have initiatives to support women, so they’re a real credit to our community.”

It is another boost for the Leschenault Men’s Shed, which had already received $60,000 from the Shire of Harvey, as well as a $50,000 funding commitment from Ms Hanns.

It has also raised $50,000 through their fundraising efforts.