$166K donation to create Men’s Shed

THE success of a Korumburra op-shop is about to leave a lasting legacy for residents of Hillside Lodge Aged Care Facility.

The Friends of Hillside Lodge op-shop has confirmed it will make a $166,000 donation to build a new Men’s Shed at Hillside Lodge.

It will be the largest donation in the Friends of Hillside Lodge’s 20-year history and will leave a permanent reminder of the group’s work.

While the Friends donate up to $50,000 a year to Hillside Lodge, which is operated by Gippsland Southern Health Service, founder Anne Millar said she wanted a big one-off contribution to make a difference in the lives of residents.

“I wanted to do something permanent there,” she said.

Mrs Millar launched the Friends group about 20 years ago after her mother-in-law was a resident at Hillside Lodge. 

“I thought they did a good job, and I loved the place, but I saw a need for some extra financial help,” she said.

The group’s first big project was the establishment of the Hillside Leisure Centre.  This was partly funded by a bequest but also supported by $120,000 donated by the Friends for furniture and other fittings. 

Plans are completed for the Men’s Shed and the group has the funds, but the project is awaiting final approval and council permits.

“We are really looking forward to the purpose-built Men’s Shed, storage area and barbecue area at the Lodge for the use of the residents,” Mrs Millar said.

Mrs Millar started the Friends group with about six committee members and continues today with a core group of about 10 volunteers, some of whom have worked alongside her for 15 years.  
“We would not survive without their dedication, humour and loyalty,” she said.

The Friends started fundraising all those years ago by running raffles and markets. 

“We soon realised that wasn’t going to make enough money, so we rented a shop, then a larger shop until about 14 years ago we were in the position to buy our present building,” Mrs Millar said.  “We had a 15-year mortgage but with the added space we were able to move a lot more stock so we paid it off in three years. while continuing to donate money to Hillside Lodge.

“The building is now worth more than double what we paid,” Mrs Millar said.

Mrs Millar set up the organisation and when the Op Shop is shut down, the building will be sold and all monies will go to Hillside Lodge.

“We set it up that way because my husband and I and our volunteers have been running it for years. If anyone had to come in and take it over, you’d have to pay two full-time wages and it wouldn’t be as viable. My husband Eric and I work seven days a week. We are open for trade six days and then on the seventh we’re in there re-stocking shelves and re-pricing things.”
Mrs Millar added that since COVID, profits have been cut by about a quarter.

At 71, Mrs Millar has no plans to slow down. “I’ll be here to the day I can’t do it or the day I die,” she said. 

GSHS CEO Lou Sparkes said the health service was extremely grateful for the work of the Op Shop and the benefits that it brings residents.

“The donations made over the years thanks to the work of the Op Shop volunteers have been magnificent and their major contribution for a new Men’s Shed will be a significant addition at Hillside Lodge,” Ms Sparkes said.