Coffs Harbour Men’s Shed Vice President, Ken Ryan, Federal Member for Cowper, Pat Conaghan, and Faircloth & Reynolds representative, Paul Courtney, at the Coffs Men’s Shed in June this year.
A new round of Federal Government funding for Men’s Sheds has just been announced.
Federal Member for Cowper, Pat Conaghan said Men’s Sheds had provided vital mental health support for locals in what had been an especially difficult year.
“This year Men’s Sheds, more than ever, have been important places where small groups of people have come together to talk and work on meaningful projects together,” said Mr Conaghan.
“Doing regular activities with people around us is one way we can support our mental health.
“This funding round will provide great opportunities for Men’s Sheds to deliver events, wellbeing initiatives or simply improve sheds, tools and equipment. I encourage local groups to apply for a grant by 27 November.”
He said this round of Men’s Shed grants would prioritise applications with a strong health, wellbeing or safety emphasis, in acknowledgement of the impact of COVID-19 and the needs of sheds in the recovery process.
Funding categories for Round 21 of the National Men’s Shed Development Programme include:
• Category 1: Health, Wellbeing, and Events – $8,000 maximum
• Category 2: Shed Improvements – $8,000 maximum
• Category 3: Equipment – $5,000 maximum.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the funding round would provide financial support to assist both new and existing Men’s Sheds across Australia.
“Since 2013, the Coalition Government has provided $5.4 million to support men’s sheds across Australia as they provide great safe places for men to talk and help each other,” Dr Hunt said.
“This new funding round will provide financial support to assist in both setting up and maintaining Men’s Sheds across Australia.”
Applications for the current funding round close on Friday 27 November. For more information, visit https://mensshed.org
