The Australian Government is continuing to support the health of men in the New England by providing $11,680 to four organisations in the latest round of grant funding of the National Shed Development Programme.

Member for New England Barnaby Joyce welcomed the Australian Government funding of $3,885 to Guyra Men's Shed for a defibrillator, Samsung tablets, tools and equipment.

Tenterfield Men’s Shed was awarded $3,000 for a new lathe, Manilla Men’s Shed $2,700 for laptop computers and training on software such as Zoom and Inverell Community Men's Shed a further $2,095, also for a defibrillator.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Australians, including the many in New England branches of our local men’s sheds turned to technology to stay connected with each other,” Mr Joyce said.

“This funding means that the Guyra and Manilla men’s sheds can buy new IT equipment and provide training to their members, allowing them to stay in touch in today’s connected world.”

Mr Joyce said recent funding would also provide for life-saving medical equipment such as defibrillators at Guyra and Inverell.

“It means we can make sure the ticker and the tools, stay in working order,” he said.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said it was vitally important that Shed Members felt valued and remained connected to their community during a period that was difficult for many Australians. 

“Our Government is committed to ensuring that even doing the pandemic, members can stay in touch and continue to providing meaningful contributions to their communities,” Minister Hunt said.

Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton said there are more than 1,000 Men’s Sheds across the nation.

“Men’s Sheds play a vital role in preventing social isolation and mental ill health. They offer thousands of men of all ages a safe and friendly environment where they can work on meaningful projects while building strong social connections,” Minister Coulton said.

(ENDS)