$4200 BOOST FOR YARRAM MEN’S SHED
June 21, 2013
Plans to rebuild the Yarram Men’s Shed have been boosted by a $4200 grant according to The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
Mr Chester said the funding will support the $42,000 rebuilding project which when finished, will complement the existing shed extension completed last year with the support of the Victorian Government.
He said the facility received the funding through the Federal Government’s Shed Development Program.
“It’s pleasing that both the Federal Government and State Government continue to support this important facility in Yarram,” Mr Chester said.
“I understand that the group is now in talks to gain access to further funds which are needed to complete the rebuild and I encourage the local community to get behind this very worthwhile project.”
Mr Chester said Men’s Shed members came from all walks of life.
“Men’s Sheds are a great way for local men to socialise in a comfortable environment and at the same time, provide a valuable contribution to the local community,” Mr Chester said.
“The Yarram Men’s Shed has around 30 members and is one of many across Gippsland which are getting local men under one roof to undertake practical tasks for the benefit of their community and improving their interaction with community health providers as they are often reluctant to access services in a more formal setting.”
Yarram Men’s Shed co-ordinator Mark Binding said the new shed would occupy the same spot as the old shed but would be slightly longer to utilise the entire block.
He said the facility would close for a month to allow the construction to take place.
“The new shed will go right where the old shed sits to incorporate last year’s extension but it will be slightly longer,” Mr Binding said.
“We’re currently in the planning phase but hope to be all ready to go and commence work in the last quarter of the year with the shed to be closed for about a month while the new shed is built.
“We are also now in talks to gain access to further funds from within the local community.”
Round 6 of the Shed Development Program is open now but will close Friday, July 26, 2013. Further information on the program can be found at www.mensshed.org/development-grants-r6