Cubby project brings causes together

Liam, Arie, Amos, Noah and Men’s Shed vice president Dave. Picture: Joe Mastroianni

Members of a Macedon Ranges youth group have enlisted the support of the Woodend Men’s Shed to build a cubby house for the youngsters to auction off to help homelessness charity Urban Seed.

Fifteen young people from the Lancefield-based Field Trip are involved in the 12-week project, which started with design work guided by local architect Pete Collings.

The group’s members, aged 10-17, are spending an hour at the shed every Thursday afternoon.

Field Trip director Owen Phillips says while they are learning valuable construction and design skills, they are also discovering more about homelessness and the Men’s Shed movement.

‘‘It’s been great to challenge perceptions many young people have about why someone might end up homeless,’’ he says.

‘‘The Field Trip team has been coming up with ways to tackle this huge problem, and there is a real desire to help.

‘‘Of course, designing and building the cubby house is great fun, too.’’

With backing from Woodend Lions Club, the project will culminate when the cubby house is auctioned as part of Kilmore’s Where Da Food At? food truck festival at Hudson Park on April 15.

The Field Trip meets from 4-5pm every Sunday at Lancefield Mechanics Hall. Details: www.thefieldtrip.co