Council
18 September, 2023
More funding for men’s sheds in Somerset
TWO Men’s Sheds in the Somerset Region will share in almost $670,000 in Federal Government funding to continue supporting the health and wellbeing of their community.
The grants of up to $10,000 each will help the Esk and Toogoolawah Men's Sheds with improving their facilities, coordinating health-related training, and hosting events with a focus on men’s health issues.
Esk Men's Shed received a $1,947 grant to assist with an upgrade to their kitchen and dining facilities.
The Shed has 22 members from Esk and surrounding communities, and offers wood and metalwork, along with social activities and health and wellbeing.
The Toogoolawah District Men's Shed have been granted a disused water treatment plant for future shed facility, and have received $8,000 in funding for upgrades to address health and safety issues.
It has 18 members and is involved in woodwork, furniture restoration, and community projects and partnerships with organisations like the Red Cross.
There are approximately 1,300 Men’s Sheds across Australia offering thousands of men of all ages a safe place to meet, socialise, connect, and engage in meaningful community work.
On Monday September 4, the Parliamentary Friends of Men’s Sheds group hosted a BBQ lunch at Parliament House in Canberra to formally launch Men’s Shed Week and raise community awareness of the vital work that Men’s Sheds do.
MPs and Senators were joined by members of the Australian Men’s Sheds Association (AMSA), including special guest and patron John Paul Young and AMSA Chairman Paul Sladdin, to celebrate 30 years of Men’s Sheds this year, and the connection, community and camaraderie they provide.
Applications are currently open for the next round of grants of up to $10,000. Further grants are also available to replace or install defibrillators. See www.mensshed.org/development-grants for more information.
Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said that Men’s Sheds were helping men and boys find mateship and social support to help them stay mentally and physically healthy.
“These grants are going towards some fantastic projects that will enable Men’s Sheds around the country continue to provide a supportive place where men can focus on their health and wellbeing.”
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann congratulated the Esk and Toogoolawah Men’s Shed on their successful grant applications.
“I’m so pleased these two Men’s Sheds in my electorate have received funding in the latest Men’s Shed grant round from the Albanese Government.
“These local Men’s Sheds plays a valuable role in improving health and wellbeing but, most importantly, they play a role in countering the isolation which some men in our community experience.”
