Inland Rail supports a safer Kilmore District Men’s Shed
Important fire safety measures will be installed at the Kilmore District Men’s Shed with a donation from the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations Program.
December 1, 2022
Located in a bushfire prone area, the Kilmore District Men’s Shed group will use the $3,000 donation to purchase and install gutter guards specifically designed to protect against embers entering gutters and igniting flammable debris.
Kilmore District Men’s Shed brings like-minded people together to have fun, share a sense of purpose and belonging and learn new skills.
It reduces isolation and feelings of loneliness, allowing men to deal with mental health challenges more easily and remain independent.
Kilmore District Men’s Shed organiser, Ron Hamilton said:
“Fire is a real risk in our area and the gutter guards will keep out embers carried by the wind from settling in our gutters and igniting.
“This means the Men’s Shed is better protected and able to continue playing an important mental health role for local men—connecting men to their community and, in some cases, saving men’s lives.”
Ed Walker, Inland Rail Victorian Projects General Manager, said:
“Inland Rail is all about providing a safe, reliable and efficient transport route to get freight where and when it is needed in Australia.
“It’s great that as we deliver this national infrastructure, Inland Rail can also support safety and mental health outcomes for the communities that we work with through supporting donations.
“We are proud to give back to the communities that are home to Inland Rail. The work these organisations do is instrumental to the wellbeing of regional communities.
“I encourage other non-profit groups to lodge their applications for the next round of funding.
“The Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations program offers funding between $1000 and $4000 for individuals and organisations in regional areas along the Inland Rail alignment. The funding supports organisations or individuals that contribute to local and regional prosperity, wellbeing, and sustainability.”
Round 14 of the Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations Program supported 23 schools, community groups and associations along the Inland Rail alignment with a combined $80,000 of funding, taking total funds awarded by the program to more than $930,000.
The latest round of funding is the largest since the Program started in 2019 and takes the total number of organisations receiving funding from the program to 289.
Applications for the current round of funding close on 31 January 2023.
We encourage you to check your funding eligibility and apply. Please include as much information as you can to tell the story of what you want to achieve and how it will benefit your community.
Check the Community Sponsorships and Donations program page for more information. To check your eligibility, phone 1800 732 761 or email: ircommunitysponsorships@artc.com.au.
