A new amenities block at the Hervey Bay Woodcrafts Club has been made possible thanks to a grant from the Stronger Communities Programme. 

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt visited the woodcrafts club recently to meet with club members and check out the upgrade. 

“Hervey Bay Woodcrafts Club received a $18,503 grant to install a toilet and handwashing facilities at the Bideford Street site,” Mr Pitt said.

“Club members meet three times a week and a local school is also using the facilities to conduct woodworking classes, so an amenities block was needed.

“The Stronger Communities Programme has been an extremely successful program which has helped community groups and not-for-profit organisations across Hinkler with a wide range of projects including shade sails and marquees, a community run café, a wheelchair accessible bus, improved disability access, upgraded kitchens and much more.

“Most community groups and organisations do a fantastic job with fundraising for projects or new equipment, and the Stronger Communities Programme has assisted to get the projects finished a bit sooner.”

Hervey Bay Woodcrafts Club secretary John Lush said the addition meant members and visitors no longer had to walk to another building to use the amenities which was often difficult for older people.

“When it rained the carpark became muddy and a slip hazard for anyone needing to visit the amenities and having our own block now removes this risk,” Mr Lush said.

The Hervey Bay Woodcrafts Club was started in 1992 by a small group of men with an interest in woodwork.

After meeting in various members sheds for a number of years in July 2000 the first club facility was opened, but by 2017 the membership had grown substantially, and a major upgrade was required.

In April 2018, an expanded club facility was officially opened by Queensland Senator Barry O’Sullivan.

Anyone looking to join the Hervey Bay Woodcrafts Club can contact the club on 0413 344 498 or email herveybaywoodcrafts2@gmail.com.