This week's mayoral column is about grant funding and the wonderful work done by the Wauchope Men's Shed.

All of the men's sheds across our region play such an important role in giving men a sense of community, providing meaning and purpose in their lives, while they make a positive contribution to the community.

They also raise awareness of concerns such as dementia, mental health, and other men's issues and how to manage them. And just as importantly, it's an opportunity to talk to mates and other men in the community.

The Wauchope Men's Shed has been operating as a place for men to come and work on community projects since August 2019, and now has more than 50 members who utilise their existing skills, and learn new skills across a great range of projects.

In March, the Wauchope Men's Shed received funding from council's Community Grants program.

The grant is being used for fire extinguishers, fire blankets, a fire exit sign, a lockable fire resistant cabinet, and also for new air conditioning in the kitchen to beat that summer Wauchope heat.

These items are about to be installed, and the members are very excited to be able to improve their space by making it safer and more comfortable.

And the great news is, we've made some important changes to our Community Grants program to make it possible for more community organisations to apply.

The new grants program, which has just opened for applications, is called PMH Thrives.

We've even got some special grants available for groups that might have an Australia Day activity planned, or are thinking about doing something for our Bicentenary celebrations in April next year.

We're really hoping lots of other community groups apply for funding before this round closes on September 27.

For more information on PMH Thrives, and to apply, jump onto council's website.

And a huge thank you to Ken and all the members at the Wauchope Men's shed for your enthusiasm and mateship.