Dover Generosity Still Amazes.

As Coordinator of the Dover Community Workshop Inc. I am often amazed at the generosity of the people, organisations and businesses of Dover.

Today the 15th of December the Far South Community Association who run the on line centre, gifted the Old Fire Station to our organisation.

Nearly two years ago the offer was made and Huon Valley Council needed to adjust the lease agreement before the gift could be completed. With all the drama of council problems this situation was ultimately solved by the incoming Caretaker/ Manager Adrianna Taylor in her first week in office.

A subsequent lease has been signed and today the executive of the Far South Community Association Gail Chesham, President and David Hay, Secretary, finalised the gift of the building.

The building has always been privately owned, but sits on council land, hence the lease agreement with council.

Over the nearly six years we have been open, much has been donated to our organisation and as I am getting better at writing grant applications, we are progressing quite well.

Our organisation is a member of the Australian Men’s Shed Association and the Tasmanian Men’s Shed Association. We are modelled on a men’s shed, however, as we have nearly twice as many ladies as men, so we changed our name early on in the piece to better reflect our membership.

In general we have separate days of activity, but every activity is open to all as long as the member is checked out on equipment, there is no restriction on gender.

Our new Hot Works Extension highlights the drabness of the original building. I am currently submitting a grant application to the AMSA round 14 for items internal such as cabinets, a TV and a hot water system as well as a restorative external clean and spray paint in Cottage Green as per the new extension.
Very often someone will clean out their shed and donate timber they have stored but no longer have a use for. We recycle much of what is donated and turn it into re-sellable items to help keep our creditors happy. Without the generosity of the Dover people and businesses, our organisation would not have progressed to its current level.

Proud to be a Doverite

Ron Wells