OPTUS GRANT HELPS ARARAT RECYCLE COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE

The Ararat Men’s Shed will celebrate the success of its inaugural ‘Bikes for Kids’ and ‘Hammer Grammar’ projects this Wednesday 24 April, thanks to $5,000 in funding from the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program. The Optus funding was vital in rebuilding 180 bikes from recycled parts and teaching woodwork skills to disengaged children in the community.

Based in South-West Victoria, The Ararat Men’s Shed is a not-for-profit organisation promoting the health and wellbeing of retired men in the community.

The ‘Bikes for Kids’ project has a threefold goal to help retired men impart their carpentry and metal work skills to young people, recycle broken bikes that would otherwise be sent to landfill, and provide repurposed and affordable bikes to children. The ‘Hammer Grammar’ project teaches children with behavioural issues how to develop woodwork and metal work skills.

Reg Holmes-Brown, President of The Ararat Men’s Shed said, “The beauty of the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program is that it’s helping Ararat’s disadvantaged kids by applying the retired men’s knowledge and hard work. Many parents are unable to buy a bike for their kids so being able to completely rebuild the bikes, give them to those in need and pass on our woodwork skills is something we’re really proud of.”

Helen Maisano, Associate Director, Corporate Social Responsibility at Optus said, “Optus is delighted to support the ‘Bikes for Kids’ and ‘Hammer Grammar’ programs which are promoting health and wellbeing for older men while providing a brighter future for disengaged kids in Ararat.”

The annual ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program awards funding of up to $10,000 to not-for-profit organisations that help build social inclusion and reconnect disengaged youth in communities. Since 2008, Optus has awarded $880,000 in grants to 165 community organisations across Australia.

Reg Holmes-Brown and participants of the ‘Bikes for Kids’ and ‘Hammer Grammar’ projects will be at the Ararat Men’s Shed this Wednesday to showcase aspects of the projects.

MEDIA EVENT:
WHEN: Wednesday 24 April, 9-10am
WHERE: The Ararat Men’s Shed, Richardson Oval, Golf Links Road, Ararat, VIC
WHY: Overview of Ararat’s inaugural ‘Bikes for Kids’ and ‘Hammer Grammar’ projects and a chance to interview participants
ATTENDING: Reg Holmes-Brown, President of The Ararat Men’s Shed, participants of the ‘Bikes for Kids’ and ‘Hammer Grammar’ projects and Cheree Dempster,’ yes’ Optus Horsham Franchisee

About Optus in the Community: For more information on the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program please visit https://www.optus.com.au/shop/aboutoptus/communitygrants

Media contact:
Julia Clarke
Fuel Communications
(02) 8217 6505