September 9, 2015
Local men’s sheds can now apply for up to $8000 in funding, according to The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
Round 11 of the National Shed Development Programme is now open and Gippsland men’s sheds are encouraged to submit applications. The deadline for applications is September 18.
Mr Chester said the opening of Round 11 coincided with Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s Fathers’ Day announcement that funding for men’s sheds would be secure until 2019.
“Our local men’s sheds plays a very important role in our community to keep men active, contributing to their mental health and physical wellbeing,” Mr Chester said.
“The decision to guarantee funding for a further three years to 2019 will allow men’s sheds to maintain their shed, buy new tools or start new projects. It’s great news for the sheds and the men who use them.”
The $4.5 million commitment over the next three years will also assist the Australian Men’s Sheds Association to develop and maintain partnerships with health providers to more effectively reach and engage men.
Mr Chester said Men’s Sheds reduced social isolation, particularly for older men and people living in rural and remote areas.
Sheds are able to apply for up to a total of $8000 across three funding categories – tools, equipment, community projects and training; building maintenance and development; and health improvement activities.
Applications for grants are assessed by the Australian Men’s Shed Association, in accordance with guidelines agreed by the Department of Health. All sheds are eligible to apply for funding under the National Shed Development Programme. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis up to a total of $8000 (GST exclusive), with priority given to sheds in disadvantaged areas.
For more details, go online to www.mensshed.org or call Mr Chester’s office on 5144 6744.
CAPTION: Mark Binding and John Hobbs with Federal Gippsland MP Darren Chester at the opening of the Yarram Men’s Shed last year. Funding for men’s sheds has been secured by the Coalition Government until 2019.