Coalition Government supports Murgon’s Men’s Shed

14/11/2016

Coalition Government supports Murgon’s Men’s Shed

Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien today announced Murgon’s Men’s Shed will receive $9,272 from the Coalition Government for tools and equipment.

“The funds will be used to purchase welding equipment, a bench grinder and contribute towards the cost of security fencing.

“Men’s Sheds are a popular way for men to connect with their community and promote and support men’s health and wellbeing.  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.

“Men’s Sheds help to strengthen the community by supporting and encouraging volunteers.  They can contribute to the growth and development of other local organisations too by sharing resources with them and maintaining their property,” Mr O’Brien said.

“There are any number of activities for men to take part in, which in turn, provides an important sense of belonging to a community, particularly for older men and men living in rural and remote areas.”

Mr O’Brien said this funding is in addition to the grant he announced for Murgon’s Men’s Shed during the federal election campaign.

“I am also happy to reconfirm my election commitment of $25,000 that will be used to extend Murgon’s Men’s Shed,” Mr O’Brien said.

Men’s Shed grants support the purchase of tools, equipment, community projects, training, building maintenance and development, and health improvement activities.

The Australian Government has provided $5.1 million (from 2016-17 to 2018-19) 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.

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.

 

For information on the application process, contact AMSA via email at [email protected]  or phone 1300 550 009.