Christmas has come early for 143 Men’s Sheds across Australia, with funding announced today to improve sheds, upgrade tools and equipment, and support the health and wellbeing of their communities.
Federal Government grants totalling $675,000 for Round 24 of the National Shed Development Programme included a new category where Men’s Sheds could apply for funding to host and/or participate in mental health and wellbeing events.
Grant recipients in this round include Hume Men’s Shed (Vic) for face-to-face mental health and wellbeing training; Eden Men’s Shed (NSW) to host a south coast mental health gathering; and Kilkivan Veteran’s and Community Men’s Shed (QLD) for first aid training, test and tag training, and a chemical storage cabinet.
“Men’s Sheds play a valuable role in improving health and wellbeing but most importantly they play a part in countering the isolation which some men experience,” said Health and Aged Care Minister, Mark Butler.
“This grant round provides $675,000, which is a 35% increase on previous funding rounds.”
Since 2011, the Government has provided more than $8.7 million to support Men’s Sheds under the National Shed Development Programme. The next funding round, also worth $675,000, is expected to open on 23 January 2023.
“I encourage Men’s Sheds to apply for funding under a new category to install or replace defibrillators and their components.”
“Sheds that meet eligibility criteria can apply for a defibrillator at any time using the special application form available on the Australian Men’s Sheds Association website,” said Mr Butler.
