FIVE Men’s Sheds in the Hunter electorate, including Muswellbrook, will benefit from shared funding of more than $18,000 under the National Men’s Shed Development Program.
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The initiative offers grants to support the purchase of tools and equipment and to invest in community projects, training, building maintenance and development and health improvement activities.
Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon has welcomed the important investment and praised local Men’s Sheds for their commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
“I have been fortunate to have a strong association with Men’s Sheds in the Hunter for some time,” he explained.
“I’ve seen first-hand on my many visits to their sites the wonderful impact they have on not only their participants but in the wider community through their many and varied projects.
“I congratulate Wangi, Branxton Greta, Muswellbrook and Cessnock Men’s Sheds as well as Lake Macquarie Classic Boat Association on their successful funding bids and look forward to seeing how the investment contributes positively to the organisations and our local community.”
The Cessnock Men’s Shed and Community Garden will be contributing further to the improvement of men’s mental health thanks to a $4000 funding grant, which will allow the group to host four Lifeline Mind your Mates mental health seminars involving hundreds of people in the community.
Wangi Men’s Shed will be more energy efficient with the installation of solar panels and will also benefit from a new computer for record keeping and training thanks to a $4472 grant.
Meanwhile, Lake Macquarie Classic Boat Association has received $2500 for the purchase of a bench saw, thicknesser and planer and a disc sander for its workshop.
Muswellbrook Men’s Shed will invest in a range of workshop and safety equipment thanks to an injection of $3633.
Branxton Greta Men’s Shed received $3441 for firefighting appliances and signage.
“Men’s Sheds provide an informal venue where the men of the community can spend time together,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“They are a place where social activity is maintained and friendships are formed.
“Men are provided with new opportunities for interaction in their post-work lives, in an active workshop, participating in community projects.
“The Men’s Shed movement has become one of the most powerful tools in addressing health and wellbeing and helping men to once again become valued and productive members of our community.”