FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch says the Edmonton Men’s Shed on Thompson Road will receive $8000 from the Australian Government to continue to promote and support men’s health and well-being in the Cairns region.
The grant is part of the Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to more than 100 Men’s Sheds across Australia.
Mr Entsch said: “The Edmonton Men’s Shed provides a place where men can get together in a safe, friendly, inclusive environment, and work on meaningful projects in their own time. It helps to reduce social isolation which is often a key factor of good mental health – particularly for men who are retired or elderly.
“This $8000 in federal funding will go towards a number of community projects, training, better tools and some much-needed upgrades to the shed itself.”
Edmonton Men’s Shed President Tony Baldwin agreed that the funding will definitely help a lot.
“At the moment we’ve got an old shed that needs a heck-of-a-lot of work, and we’ve been relying on money that we get from our sausage sizzle,” he said.
“While we receive a lot of support from the Cairns Regional Council, who have given us the shed at a very cheap rate, we desperately need a lot of repair work on the roof, skylights, and new concreting around the back.
“This funding will help with all of that, as well as to pay for more tools for our shed such as a high pressure gerni, block chain and machine cut-off.”
Under the National Shed Development Programme, all Men’s Sheds in Australia can apply for up to $8000 in funding, with priority given to sheds in rural and remote areas and in areas of disadvantage. The Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) manages the National Shed Development Programme.
AMSA will open a new round of funding for Men’s Sheds early this year. Details can be found at www.mensshed.org/
Queries on the application process should be directed to AMSA by calling 1300 550 009 or emailing amsa@mensshed.net.
