April 18, 2018
The Kingaroy Men’s Shed has been given a $6824 grant from the Federal Government to upgrade its facilities at the former Burnett War Museum premises near Kingaroy Airport.
Maranoa MP David Littleproud said the grant has been made under the National Shed Development Program.
“Like similar sheds across Australia, the Kingaroy shed offers great benefits to any local men who need a bit of space and some friendly, easy-going company,” Mr Littleproud said.
“The Coalition Government recognises these benefits and is providing a total of $5.1 million over three years to the national men’s sheds movement.”
The Kingaroy Men’s Shed will use its government grant to lay concrete floors in three shed bays in the former Motor Pool building that are currently bare earth.
This area is used for metalwork.
A dividing wall will also be installed to create a quiet area for social and meeting activities.
“Men are talking about their health more and more, and the men’s shed provides a safe and friendly environment for them to do so,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Men’s sheds are integral to the community and the benefits to men’s health are widely acknowledged.”
Heath Minister Greg Hunt said although mental illness affected both men and women, men were less likely to seek help or talk about their feelings.
“Feeling part of a social group is important to our emotional and mental health and every day Men’s Sheds around the country provide men with an opportunity for companionship,” he said.
The grants program provides funding for health improvement activities, the purchase of tools and equipment, community projects and training, and for building maintenance and development.
