The Hume Mens Shed (Sunbury) has had funding rain down to install a new automatic sprinkler system in the garden.
The shed received $12,000 from the state government through the West Gate Tunnel Project’s Sunbury and Bulla Neighbourhood Fund for the project.
Community grants officer Kristen Dimech Senior and communication and engagement graduate Shenell Fransz inspected the sprinkler system on Wednesday, November 8.
Men’s shed secretary Albert Achterberg said the sprinkler will help the group grow items in the gardens, which are used for the men’s shed lunches as well as providing members with surplus fruit and vegetables.
“They grow several vegetables depending on the season, including miniature tomatoes, snow peas, spinach, cabbage, potatoes, beetroot, beans etc,” Mr Achterberg said.
“It is important for members to have access to fresh vegetables and fruit as a lot of them do not have their own vegetable garden.”
Mr Achterberg said the sprinkler has a rain controller to prevent over watering and will help with garden maintenance.
“The sprinkler system has three different areas and each area can be set to whatever day and time they require,” he said.
“It will take the pressure of our gardener Barry Burbridge and his fellow gardeners especially during the hot weather.
“The men at the shed attend the garden three mornings per week and during hot days they had to try and come down whilst the shed was closed.
“The sprinkler system means that we can assure the gardens receive water whilst we are not there.”
Zoe Moffatt
