Pictured: Catching up with members from Tamworth Community Men's Shed on announcement of the recent grant.
The Australian Government is continuing to support men’s health and wellbeing in Tamworth under the 20th funding round of the National Shed Development Program.
Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, welcomed the decision by the Australian Government to award Tamworth Community Men’s Shed with funding of $1800 for shed improvements involving electrical connections to storage shipping containers.
“To stay healthy, we need to do regular activities with the people around us, and our local men’s sheds have become focal points in our towns and villages across the New England,” Mr Joyce said.
“The Tamworth shed has a growing membership base and fortunately also many generous community donors who contribute materials and equipment for various projects.
“This grant for new electrical work will help provide lighting and easier access to this equipment so members can get on doing what they do best – crafting unique, handmade items in the company of good mates.
“I congratulate the Tamworth shed on its grant and know the contributions of its members will leave a lasting legacy on the health and wellbeing of the entire community.”
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, said that belonging to a social group was vitally important for emotional and mental health.
“The Government remains committed to supporting men’s sheds and encouraging men to meet up and get involved with meaningful community projects,” Minister Hunt said.
Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton, said Men’s Sheds are particularly important for regional, rural, and remote communities across the country.
“In many parts of the bush, local Men’s Sheds are fast becoming one of the most important organisations, one where members make connections and serve their community.”
More than 6,000 men across Australia are expected to benefit from the program, with 121 men’s sheds receiving funding under this latest round.
Recent grants for the Tamworth shed include $5,800 to build a staircase to the mezzanine level of the building and $875 for first aid courses for its members.
The men’s shed grants provide funding for health improvement activities, the purchase of tools and equipment, community projects and training and for building maintenance and development.
The Federal Government recently introduced a new law that will make donations to men’s and women’s sheds tax deductable.
What this means is that as of 1 July 2020, anyone who donates $2 or more to a shed can claim an income tax deduction for that donation.
(ENDS)