143 Men’s Sheds across Australia have had their Christmas come early as they celebrate funding to improve their sheds, upgrade tools and equipment, and support the health and wellbeing of their community.
Australian 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
- Kilkivan Veteran’s and Community Men’s Shed (QLD) for first aid training, test and tag training, and a chemical storage cabinet.
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.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“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.
“This grant round provides $675,000, which is a 35 per cent increase on previous funding rounds.
“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.”