November 14, 2016
The Murgon Men’s Shed will receive $9272 from the Federal Government to purchase welding equipment, a bench grinder and part of the cost of security fencing, Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced on Monday.
The funding is in addition to a $25,000 grant to extend the Men’s Shed which Mr O’Brien announced during the federal election campaign.
“Men’s Sheds are a popular way for men to connect with their community and promote and support men’s health and wellbeing,” Mr O’Brien said.
“As I said in my maiden speech, we need to do more to address mental health issues, and Men’s Shed’s are a practical way in which Men’s mental health can be improved.
“They are also valuable community places where people can meet to share their skills, knowledge and ideas to build, repair and maintain a whole range of products, furnishings and equipment.
“Murgon’s Men’s Shed increases community engagement and social participation and raises awareness of men’s mental health issues, as well as providing mentors for those facing uncertainty in life and who are looking to acquire new skills.”
The Australian Government has provided $5.1 million (from 2016-19) to the Australian Men’s Sheds Association (AMSA) to provide support and resources to new and existing Men’s Sheds and to manage the National Shed Development Programme.
Men’s Shed grants support the purchase of tools, equipment, community projects, training, building maintenance and development, and health improvement activities.
Grants are competitive with priority given to sheds in disadvantaged areas.
Further rounds of funding will be available for Men’s Sheds and details can be found at www.mensshed.org.
