Men’s Shed grants now open

As part of Men’s Health Week, 14-20 June, Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is encouraging Men’s Sheds across Wide Bay to apply for funding as part of the newest round of the National Men’s Shed Development Programme (NDSP).

Mr O’Brien said Round 22 of the NDSP opens this week, and Men’s Sheds can apply for financial support across the following funding categories:

• Category 1: Health, Wellbeing, and Events (grants up to $8,000)
• Category 2: Shed Improvements (grants up to $8,000)
• Category 3: Equipment (grants up to $5,000)

“Wide Bay Men’s Sheds are friendly and inclusive settings where local men can meet to work with tools and equipment, or just to socialise with other blokes, to have a chat and support each other’s mental and physical health,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Social inclusion is so important to mental wellbeing, and the Coalition Government is committed to ensuring that even through the pandemic, members can stay in touch and continue to be connected to their community and provide meaningful contributions through their local Sheds.”

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said connection was the key to the success of the more than 1,000 Men’s Sheds around the country.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough for many Australians, and it is vitally important that Shed Members remained connected to their community during this time,” Minister Hunt said.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting Men’s Sheds, we provided $500,000 to Sheds around Australia in the latest round of NDSP grants and $6.4 million in grant funding to support Men’s Sheds since 2013.

“I am also pleased to announce that work will soon begin on the $1.5 million Regional Coordinators for Men’s Sheds Initiative, which helps Men’s Sheds to connect with local health services and promote health events for their members.”

Men’s Sheds Associations in WA, Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland will be funded to introduce regional coordinators in those states.   

The Australian Men’s Shed Association, which manages the NSDP, has also received funding under the Initiative to implement regional coordinators in NSW, the ACT, SA and the NT. Regional coordinators will be introduced in every state and territory.

Previous rounds of the NDSP have provided funding to Gympie, Maryborough, Noosa, Kilkivan, Numabulla, Poona, Tin Can Bay, Bauple, Pomona, and Murgon Men’s and Community Sheds.

Applications for the next round of Men’s Sheds grants is open until 26 July 2021. Those wanting to submit an application can visit https://mensshed.org/development-grants.