The grant will assist with returning the heritage-listed Bath House at Kremer Park to its former glory.

In presenting the grant, Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee said Shed president Norman Richardson and the team from the Portland Men’s Shed would carry out the repairs and restoration work on the exterior of the building. 

“Our first effort will be to clean the lead paint off the outside of the building and rust proof the building then paint it a heritage colour such as cottage green, before making repairs to roof,” Mr Richardson said.

Mr Richardson said, after the outside was complete, they would start on the inside of the building to get the electrics and insulation working.  

“It’s too cold for us old blokes, and that’s what we are, old blokes, but we are keen and up for the challenge,” he said.

The Portland Colts rugby league team will be given the old men’s shed and the umpires will get the current Colts team shed. 

“Currently the umpires don’t have any facilities so they can get a shed, toilets, showers and kitchen,” he said.

Mr Richardson said he wanted to take the facility back to being useful for the community. He said that couldn’t happen without help from the public, Lithgow City Council and grants from Andrew Gee. 

“We couldn’t do this ourselves,” he said. 

Mr Gee said he was delighted that the Portland Men’s Shed had been awarded a $10,000 grant under round three of the Stronger Communities Program.

“The Bath House has a long history in the Portland area, originally built at the Springvale Colliery in the 1920’s before it was transferred to Kremer Park and used for the annual Portland Show,” he said. 

“Unfortunately, it has fallen into disrepair in recent times. Once the Bath House is back to its former glory, it will give community, social and sporting groups a place to call home when holding meetings and events.”

To show their appreciation The Portland Men’s Shed gave Mr Gee a certificate of appreciation for the grant. 

“I appreciate your certificate of appreciation,” Mr Gee said. 

“I’m backing you guys, I think you’ll get it done. It’s a huge task but if anyone can do it they can.”