THE Cooktown Men’s Shed will receive $2400 from the Australian Government to continue to promote and support men’s health and well-being in the Cook Shire.
The grant is part of $400,000 in national funding provided to more than 100 Men’s Sheds across Australia.
Announcing the grant, Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said the funding would support Cooktown Men’s Shed activities and programmes, the purchase of tools and equipment and maintenance of shed buildings.
“Men’s Sheds provide a place where men are able to work on meaningful projects at their own pace in their own time and gather in a safe, friendly and inclusive environment,” Mr Entsch said.
“They reduce social isolation, strengthen communities and contribute to improvements in the health of individual men – particularly the mental health of retired and older men, something I’m particularly interested in.”
CEO of the Cooktown Men’s Shed, Greg Whittaker, welcomed news of the funding, which he said would be used to purchase a range of tools, extension lead and power boards.
Under the National Shed Development Programme, all Men’s Sheds in Australia can apply for up to $8,000 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 the next round of funding for Men’s Sheds shortly. Details can be found at on the Men's Shed website. Queries on the application process for the programme can be directed to AMSA via email at amsa@mensshed.net or phone 1300 550 009.