The Liberal National Government is funding 99 Men’s Sheds across the country to boost the health and wellbeing of over 3700 men in their communities.
I am delighted to announce that 99 Men’s Sheds across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia and Queensland will share in a total of $400,000 in grants through the National Shed Development Programme.
This funding will support the sheds to buy tools and equipment, maintain infrastructure, facilitate training and host community activities focused on men’s health issues.
Men’s Sheds provide a great opportunity for men in our community—of all ages, backgrounds and interests—to get together.
Feeling part of a social group is important to our emotional and mental health.
Men are often the last ones to make their health and wellbeing a priority. It’s imperative that we do what we can to ensure they get the support they need and deserve.
On average, 1 in 8 men in Australia will have depression and 1 in 5 men will experience anxiety at some stage of their lives.
Men are less likely to seek help, with only 1 in 4 men who experience anxiety or depression accessing treatment.
I’ve been lucky to meet with many members of Men’s Sheds across the country and I have seen how important these sheds are to communities.
As well as bringing men together to work on meaningful projects, one of the great successes of Men’s Sheds around Australia is that they provide a forum for men to talk about health issues and encourage men to take action on their health issues.
Our Government recognises the benefits of Men’s Sheds and is providing $5.1 million over three years to June 2019 to the Australian Men’s Shed Association.
The next round of funding under the National Shed Development Programme will open for application in the second half of 2019.
All sheds that meet the definition of a Men’s Shed are eligible to apply for funding and grants are awarded on a competitive basis up to a total of $10,000, with priority given to sheds in disadvantaged areas.
Grants are awarded across three categories – health and wellbeing and events, shed improvements and equipment.