Three Men’s Shed programs in the New England will receive a combined $17,000 in the latest round of Australian Government funding.

 

Sheds at Manilla, Glen Innes and Walcha are set to benefit from new grants to provide large storage solutions, as well as the ability to purchase tools, equipment and other items like industrial heaters to keep members warm in the winter months.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the funding also supports the physical and mental health and wellbeing of shed members.

 

“These are great local programs that help men, particularly as they got older, to connect with each other and prevent social isolation and preventable health conditions,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“Providing these groups with the resources they need is a win for the whole community.

 

“I know this funding means a lot to the Manilla, Glen Innes and Walcha Men’s Shed members as well as the broader community and I congratulate them on their success.”

 

Manilla Men’s Shed President Max Maughan said they will use their $5,000 grant to purchase a 40-foot shipping container for storage which will allow for a more comfortable work area.

 

“Having the container will free up about 3-4 work spaces in the shed,” Mr Maughan said.

 

Walcha Men’s Shed will use part of its $3,631grant to purchase a forced-air diesel heater to help beat the winter cold.

 

“We have an old wood fire at the moment but some fellas weren’t turning up because it was too cold,” shed manager Bruce Hunt said.

 

“Now with this funding, we’ll be able to turn up in the morning and get the place heated straight away.”

 

Over at Glen Innes, the installation of a $7,000 dust extraction system will assist the group improve its level of health and safety. The group will also purchase an oxy cutting kit and associated equipment.

 

Men’s Sheds provide a sense of community, a safe and friendly environment where men can work on meaningful projects at their own pace, in their own time, in the company of other men.

 

Members have an opportunity to pass on their skills to others, learn new things, or just catch up regularly with other men in the community for a chat and a cup of tea.

 

This grant funding is part of the $5.1 million the Federal Government has provided to the Australian Men’s Shed Association through to 2018-19 to support the national network of Men’s Sheds.

 

Details of all successful grant recipients from this National Shed Development Program funding round are available at mensshed.org

 

At a glance: New England’s latest round of Men’s Shed funding -

 

Manilla: $5,000 to purchase a 40-foot shipping container to be used for storage.

 

Walcha: $3,631 to buy a forced-air diesel heater, a self-watering system for the greenhouse and tool purchases. 

 

Glen Innes: $8,390 for a dust extraction system, oxy-cutting kit, welding curtain, angle grinder, drills and first aid training.

 

 

(ENDS)