Laurieton and Kendall Men’s Shed have received funding to expand and improve their facilities.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said the funding will support men’s physical and mental health.
"The $5,000 grant to Laurieton Men’s Shed and the $3,500 to Kendall Men's Shed will mean a lot to their members and the broader community and I congratulate them on their success,” he said.
Kendall Men's Shed will use its funding to provide specialised woodworking tools and equipment identified by members to enable additional activities, delivery of training and education to address health and safety.
Laurieton Men's Shed will use the funds to provide specialised woodworking tools and equipment identified by members to expand activities and produce quality products. There will be improvements to the shed facility to address health, safety and storage.
“Both Laurieton and Kendall Men’s Sheds help men, particularly as they get older, to connect with each other to prevent social isolation and preventable health conditions,” Dr Gillespie said.
“This funding round helps the group to buy tools and equipment, support community projects and training, maintain or develop their buildings, or create local activities to improve men’s health.
The Laurieton Men's Shed has 150 members and provides a focus on health and wellbeing through activities including woodwork, gardening, health seminars, metalwork, community projects, vehicle restoration, furniture repair and restoration.
Members learn skills through computer training, cooking, lifestyle seminars, community and personal projects, regular speakers, friendship and social activities and member outings.
The Kendall Men's Shed has 109 members and has a strong focus on teamwork and improving skills.
The group members contribute to the community through the maintenance of the Kendall RSL Cenotaph Park and donated picnic tables.
The group is involved in projects including the RSL, schools, Driver Reviver and the local GP medical service.
“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,” Dr Gillespie said.
“Members have an opportunity to pass 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 Coalition Government has provided to the Australian Men’s Shed Association through to 2018-19 to support the national network of Men’s Sheds.