SOMERVILLE — A new “Buddy Bench” has been installed at Somerville Rise Primary School today, marking the 25th bench placed in a Mornington Peninsula primary school as part of a community initiative promoting student wellbeing and connection.
The project was made possible through the support of the New Peninsula Men’s Shed (Mt Martha) and funding from Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. The timber was generously donated by members of the Men’s Shed, who also oversaw the bench’s construction and installation.
In a Facebook post, the school celebrated the collaborative effort:
“A big thank you to the Mt Martha Men’s Shed for generously providing timber for our new Buddy Bench. With creativity and care, our students worked alongside Mr Harvey to design the perfect seat to promote kindness and connection in our schoolyard.”
“Thanks to the skilled men at the Men’s Shed, the bench was built and installed today. It looks fantastic and already so loved by our students!”
“We’re also incredibly grateful to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council for funding this project and making it all possible. A wonderful community effort supporting student wellbeing!”
Speaking to STPL News, Beek Beek Ward councillor Kate Roper praised the initiative and the continuing role of the region’s Men’s Sheds:
“The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council supports all our Men’s Sheds through annual grant funding.”
The Buddy Bench initiative is designed to foster a sense of inclusion and compassion among students. Children are encouraged to use the bench as a signal when they’re feeling lonely or in need of a friend—promoting positive social interaction and peer support.
The Somerville Rise bench becomes the 25th Buddy Bench installed in a peninsula school, highlighting the ongoing commitment from local community groups to improving mental health and connectedness among young people.
