At the Badger Creek Men's shed, behind the Badger Creek CFA, work is underway to repurpose blackwood timber that Yarra Ranges Council donated to the group.
In February 2022, Yarra Ranges Council received a number of expressions of interest from local community groups, Men's Sheds, and artists, many of which have now taken possession of the unique blackwood logs after they fell during the June storm.
182 pieces of the valuable wood were shared among 57 individuals and groups, including Badger Creek Men's Shed. Badger Creek Men's Shed Treasurer Alan Jones said the organisation of 30 members relied on donated materials and that blackwood was very rarely donated because of its value.
"Generally, we only get donations of plywood and pine, but Yarra Ranges Council has supplied us with this blackwood timber that has been cut from storm-felled trees, so it means a lot to us to have this material."
"Once this wood seasons we'll be able to use it to make some furniture or something else – we've got some time to decide before it becomes useable."
The timber will have to season before being made into furniture, which can take two years.
Blackwood logs are sought-after for their impressive appearance, which is described as a rich, golden-brown colour that is often complimented by reddish streaks or narrow bands of black.
Yarra Ranges Council Mayor, Jim Child said the blackwood logs attracted a huge amount of interest from the community and that he is looking forward to seeing what interesting items are made from the logs.
"It will be wonderful to see what the Badger Creek Men's Shed are making and their plans for this wood," Cr Child said.
"We all know the health benefits the sheds provide to so many, and to be able to offer these logs to the community for such positive projects is excellent."
"The community will be able to reuse and repurpose these logs in a meaningful way, so it's a great environmental thing, but it's also a great community thing."
