SKILLS: Work For The Dole participant Aaron Archer, left, and volunteer Tim Patten are helping restore the old March school house. Photo: MICHAEL STEVENS
RESTORATION of the old March public school is progressing with the help of volunteers and an OCTEC Work For The Dole team.
Project coordinator Bev Wilkinson said workers were lining an old shed to be used as a tuckshop.
Gardens are also being planted around the school house and interior painting is being completed.
Mrs Wilkinson said the project generated a lot of local interest.
"It's really exciting, people are driving past and coming in to say that they went to school here," she said.
Volunteer Tim Patten said his time at the school house helped him sharpen his practical skills.
"I've been a dad for five-and-a-half years now, and work has slowed down a bit because I have to look after my daughter," he said.
"It's good to get back out and get some work skills. I'm mostly the odd jobs man."
Mrs Wilkinson plans to turn the 19th Century building and its surrounds into an arts and craft centre for local artists and a heritage centre.
"We're asking people to bring in photographs and stories from days gone by for the heritage room," she said.
"We're also looking for things like old ink wells and milk bottles."
Two OCTEC Work For The Dole participants and two volunteers will work at the school house for about four months.
Mrs Wilkinson said the project should be complete in early spring.