AN injection of funds will allow Men’s Sheds across Victoria to increase programs that "actively engage men in their local communities", says the Victorian Men’s Shed Association (VMSA) president Paul Sladdin.
Men's Sheds around the state will share in a total of $700,000 in funding from the Victorian Government for refurbishment grants, Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge announced last week.
Grants of up to $30,000 per shed were made available to incorporated not-for-profit organisations and local government authorities that auspiced existing Men’s Sheds.
Grant recipients were required to provide funding or in-kind support towards the project, taking the total value of the refurbishments to $1.2 million.
The grants, under the new Strengthening Men’s Sheds Program, will allow for the redevelopment of 36 existing sheds to meet increased community demand for activities and occupational health and safety, and disability guidelines.
Examples of successful initiatives funded under the latest round include:
- accessibility and modification for people with a disability
- extension of existing buildings
- occupational health and safety improvements,
“The Men’s Shed movement has come a long way over the past five years, with more than 200 sheds operating across Victoria,” Ms Wooldridge said.
“The government recognises the significant role Men’s Sheds play in their local communities through engaging a wide range of men, including those with disability, farmers, war veterans, retirees and the unemployed.
"They give local men the chance to meet and talk, work on valuable community projects, get involved in their community and learn about important health and wellbeing issues.”
The grants were welcomed by Mr Sladdin.
“This funding will enable Sheds across the state to increase capacity for programs that actively engage men in their local communities,” Mr Sladdin said.
