Materials from old Moorfields site put to good use

November 28, 2016 

Materials that once made up built-in shelves and wardrobes at the old Uniting AgeWell residential aged care facilities in Hawthorn are being recycled and made into coffee tables for asylum seekers settling in Melbourne.

Uniting AgeWell Hawthorn Centre Men’s Shed is holding community workshops every Thursday from 9.30am-12.30pm, where men can help create the tables while learning new skills and making new friends.

Uniting AgeWell Hawthorn Centre Men’s Shed Project Officer, Ian Fenton, said he and a band of volunteers had been salvaging materials from the former Hawthorn site before it is demolished to make way for a new 120-bed residential facility and retirement living complex.

“We’ve discovered the timbers used in the wardrobes are Tasmanian Oak, which is extremely high quality and can be recycled and reused for other projects,” Ian said.

“We’re aiming to make 15 coffee tables over the next few weeks to donate to West Welcome Wagon, a not-for-profit organisation that helps settle asylum seekers.

“Once we’ve met this quota, participants can choose to keep their work for a small fee, with all proceeds going back into our Men’s Shed programs.”

Ian said the Hawthorn Centre Men’s Shed has grown significantly over the last few months with activities happening five days a week, including a ladies’ day every Tuesday. 

“The Hawthorn Centre Men’s Shed is a place where men can come along and find new friendships, pursue new activities, learn new skills and be involved in physical activities,” he said.

“It is manned by skilled and trained volunteers to give advice and lend a helping hand. It’s a great place to meet like-minded people and develop a sense of wellbeing.”

Over the years, the former Hawthorn site has accumulated a number of unwanted furniture items in good working conditions.

Any not-for-profit organisations looking for furniture such as tables, chairs, whiteboards, pianos etc, should contact Facilities Services Project Administration Officer, Rebekah Lamb on 9815 6900.

Media are invited to attend the next Community Workshop:
Thursday, December 1
9.30am-12.30pm
Uniting AgeWell Hawthorn Centre
93-95 Elgin Street Hawthorn.

Photograph opportunities are available.