A six-year project to build a new facility for the MG Car Club Geelong was finally realised last week, with the official opening of the ‘Shed’.
The project, which spanned five club presidents, according to current president Nick Wood, has created a new facility for the club’s members to work on their cars and hold meetings.
Mr Wood said the club was based at the Traffic Safety Centre, but had surveyed its more than 500 members six years ago and found there was demand for a new space.
The club received a $46,899 grant from the City of Greater Geelong several years ago and contributed the same amount itself to build the Shed, which had been held up with COVID-19 delays.
It was finally opened on Sunday by the club’s patron Denis Walter and Greater Geelong councillor Peter Murrihy, which Mr Wood said was a “relief”.
“It’s a relief to have it open now … there’s a great sense of achievement there,” he said.
“It’s been a long time in the making … five presidents have been involved and untold volunteers have put in time to get it where it is.
“It started six years ago when we surveyed our members and found they wanted a space where they could work on their cars.
“We also didn’t have access to our clubrooms during the day, because they were used by Stay Upright, so this new space would allow us to do that.”
Mr Wood said the Shed had been kitted out with equipment, like hoists, that would make it easier for members to work on their cars, while the club also planned to run courses on car maintenance.
He said the facility would also be shared with the community, with other vehicle clubs including the Western District Car Club, the Geelong Caravan Club, the Western District Historic Vehicle Club and the Geelong Off Road Buggy Association using it too.
“It’s a great facility and we’re excited to see it being put to good use,” Mr Wood said.
Ash Bolt
