Media Releases

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said grants of up to $30,000 from the Strengthening Men’s Sheds Grants program 2012 are now available to support the redevelopment of men’s sheds.

“The Strengthening Men’s Sheds grants initiative is part of a $4 million package over four years that would help men’s sheds increase their capacity to attract new members, operate sustainably and continue to make valuable contributions to local communities,” Mr Delahunty said.

Men’s sheds have increased in popularity and number over the past five years and there are now about 160 in Victoria.

Mr Delahunty said men’s sheds provide a place for regular contact with other men and a range of practical activities including carpentry, horticulture, cooking and restorations.

“Men’s sheds give men a place to go where they can meet, talk, get involved in their local community as well as learn about the importance of men’s health and wellbeing issues,” Mr Delahunty said.

In announcing the Strengthening Men’s Sheds Grants program 2012, the Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge said the Coalition Government recognises the significant role men’s sheds play in local communities through engaging a diverse range of men, including those with a disability, farmers, war veterans, retirees and the unemployed.

Through the Strengthening Men’s Sheds Program, $900,000 will be available to refurbish existing men’s sheds, with grants of up to $30,000 for assistance to redevelop and modify an existing shed to meet occupational health and safety and disability standards or to meet increased community demand for established shed activities.

“In providing this latest round of grants through the Strengthening Men’s Sheds Grants program 2012 the Coalition Government is supporting men’s sheds to continue to grow and thrive across western Victoria,” Mr Delahunty said.

Successful applicants will be required to match their grants on a 2:1 ratio.

This latest round of funding is in addition to the Men’s Shed Capacity Building Fund of $100,000 that is administered by the Victorian Men’s Sheds Association to provide small grants to develop informal networks and tackle issues of sustainability.

Applications for grants close on 13 July 2012. More information is available at:
www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-business-and-community/community-involvement/men-in-thecommunity/strengthening-mens-sheds

A Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Government will invest an additional $24,000 into men’s sheds in the Lowan Electorate.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty made the announcement while attending the official opening of the Goroke men’s shed today.

“This funding will allow established Men’s Sheds across the electorate to purchase equipment and supplies and meet ongoing running costs,” Mr Delahunty said.

“All of the men’s sheds across the Lowan electorate, including the one here at Goroke, will be eligible for funding.”

Mr Delahunty said men’s sheds were a community workshop where men could share time with each other, swap yarns and use their skills to create saleable products to benefit the local community.

“Although the initiative is aimed primarily at retired men, all are welcome.

“They have become important community hubs where men can share their skills such as woodworking, metal work and creative art or just drink a cup of coffee and have a chat.

“Feeling good about yourself, being productive and valuable to your community, connecting with friends and maintaining an active body and an active mind are all important to good health.

“Becoming a member of a men’s shed gives men a safe and busy environment where they can find these things in an atmosphere of old-fashioned mateship.