Upgrade for mechanics institute

Romsey Mechanics Institute committee members Anthony Lakey, Allan Irvine and Kathy Lakey with Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas (Supplied) 210846_01

Jessica Micallef

The Romsey Mechanics Institute has received a funding boost.

The institute has been granted $35,000 as part of the state government’s Delivering For Regional and Rural Victoria Program.

The money will be used to build two unisex toilets, renovate the existing men’s and women’s toilet areas and build two storage rooms within the existing building.

Institute president Anthony Lakey said the grant money was much needed.

“Over the years, the Romsey Mechanics Institute has lost bookings because of the lack of easy access to the toilets,” he said.

“This grant of $35,000 will allow the committee of management to begin work on two all-access toilets that will cater to those groups who use the front rooms or who use the supper room or kitchen.”

The Romsey Mechanics Institute has been a part of the town for more than 100 years.

The institute is a not-for-profit organisation run by local volunteers. The main hall and rooms at the site can be hired for public or private events.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said investing in local projects would help locals and organisations recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

“The Romsey Mechanics Institute is an important part of the Romsey community,” she said.

“The key requirement for this project is that it can get underway as soon as possible, meaning shovels will be in the ground at Romsey Mechanics Institute within a matter of weeks and months.”