Three Men’s Sheds in Wide Bay will share more than $17,000 in federal funding to support the health and wellbeing of local men, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

“Men’s Sheds play a valuable role in the Wide Bay communities, and I’m pleased to be able to boost the resources of the Maryborough Woodturners, Numabulla Men’s Shed and Tin Can Bay Men’s Shed with this funding under the 20th funding round of the National Shed Development Programme,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Staying socially connected with other people is really beneficial for mental and emotional wellbeing, and since COVID, our local Men’s Sheds have become more important than ever before as places for men to safely meet up, have a chat and participate in projects.”

Maryborough Woodturners will receive $2,025 for first aid training, Numabulla Men’s Shed will receive $10,000 for upgrades to the shed’s roofing and water tank, and Tin Can Bay Men’s Shed will receive $5,000 towards a generator.

A Men’s Shed can range from purpose-built facilities, multipurpose buildings, or shared spaces, and Mr O’Brien said Men’s Sheds were particularly important for regional, rural, and remote communities like in Wide Bay.

“In many communities in Wide Bay, local Men’s Sheds are rapidly becoming one of the most important organisations in their area, where members make connections, serve their community, and work to assist other community organisations.”

More than 6,000 men across Australia are expected to benefit from the programme, with 121 men’s sheds receiving funding under this round.

Since 2013, the Government has provided $5.4 million through the National Shed Development programme to support men’s sheds across Australia.

TALKING POINTS 

• More than 6,000 men across Australia will benefit from the Australian Government’s $500,000 investment in men’s sheds. 
• This funding through round 20 of the National Shed Development programme will help improve the mental health of men in Wide Bay.  
• One in eight men will experience depression in their lives. 
• One in five men will experience anxiety.  
• Since 2013, the Government has provided $5.4 million to support men’s sheds. 
• Men’s sheds help men find social support and help them get involved in meaningful community projects.  
• The Government awards grants to men’s sheds in three categories – health and wellbeing events, shed improvements, and equipment.