THE HON. GREG HUNT MP
Federal Member for Flinders
Minister for Health and Aged Care
THE HON. DR DAVID GILLESPIE MP
Federal Member for Lyne
Minister for Regional Health
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
18th December 2021
CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY FOR LOCAL MENS SHEDS
The Morrison-Joyce Government is providing an early Christmas present to Mornington Peninsula men’s sheds by providing over $5,000 to continue to support the health of men through the National Shed Development Programme (NSDP).
Just over $3,500 has been awarded to the Peninsula North Men’s Shed in Baxter and over $1,500 to the Willum Warrain Men’s Shed in Hastings.
Federal Member for Flinders and Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Greg Hunt MP welcomed funding boost for the Mornington Peninsula’s Men’s Sheds.
“Men’s Sheds play a vital role in preventing social isolation and mental ill health. They offer thousands of men of all ages a safe and friendly environment where they can work on meaningful projects while building strong social connections”, Minister Hunt said.
“There are more than 1,000 Men’s Sheds across the nation, and they play a vital role in preventing social isolation and mental ill health.
“Since 2013, the Coalition Government has provided more than $6.4 million to support Men’s Sheds through the programme.”
Graham Balmer of Peninsula North Men’s Shed commented that the grant will allow the Baxter Men’s Shed to buy a Computerised Numerical Control machine and a laptop computer to run the machine.
“This machine is 21st century technology and will provide our members with a great introduction into the use of computers and what they can do for us”, Mr Balmer said.
“These new tools will be purchased from local suppliers and will extend the services we already provide to our local community.
“This a purchase that will be used for many years into the future by members that aren’t any where near retirement yet.
“Thanks again to Greg Hunts’ office for this grant. It will be a well used piece of equipment.”
The Willum Warrain Men’s Shed will use its funding purchase new storage cabinets.
Minister for Regional Health, Dr David Gillespie, said the Government awards grants to Men’s Sheds in three categories – health and wellbeing events, shed improvements, and tools and equipment.
“Many Sheds were forced to close their doors this year due to the pandemic, however that didn’t stop the shed community from staying connected. Coordinators made sure their members felt valued and part of a strong, positive community during such a difficult time,” Dr Gillespie said.
Sheds are able to apply for funding and grants up to a total of $10,000, with priority given to sheds in disadvantaged areas.
The NSDP provides funding to Men’s Sheds through a competitive grants process.
Applications for Round 23 of the NSDP will be opened in mid-January 2022.
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