LEICHHARDT MP Warren Entsch is pleased to announce new Commonwealth funding grants totalling more than $12,000 to boost facilities at the Marlin Coast and Cairns Men’s Sheds.
“This is fantastic news for these two very active local sheds, I congratulate them on their success and at the same time acknowledge the considerable benefits that Men’s Sheds provide to their members and the broader community,” said Mr Entsch.
The new funding will allow the Cairns Men’s Shed to purchase a new timber lathe, tools, equipment and training, while the Marlin Coast Men’s Shed will put the money towards tools, equipment and building maintenance and development.
“The grants mean a lot more than just providing new equipment, they also help support the physical and mental wellbeing of the men who visit these facilities,” said Mr Entsch.
The funding has been welcomed by the President of the Cairns Men’s Shed, John King, who explained that the grant will allow Cairns Men’s Shed members, including an 80 year old, to take their work to another level, develop their skills, and produce more wooden bowls, candle holders and light stands for community groups. They are currently producing a variety of woodwork items for Caravonica State School which will be sold at the school fete.
“The guys are very thankful and pretty excited about getting a new timber lathe because right now they only have an old second hand one which they have to go on a waiting list to use,” Mr King said.
“Many of the men live in retirement villages with no facilities. The Men’s Shed replaces the shed they would have had at home and provides enormous social benefits while keeping their eyes, hands and brains active.”
The Marlin Coast Men’s Shed will use the grant to purchase a metal lathe and saw as well as other equipment and carry out building maintenance.
“This grant gives us the opportunity to create another aspect for our 60 members,” said Bill Kidston, President of the Marlin Coast Men’s Shed.
“They will now be able to work on steel and mechanical projects, not just wood, and make a variety of products for not-for-profit organisations in the Northern suburbs of Cairns.”
The Men’s Shed aims to help men, particularly as they get older, to connect with each other and ward off social isolation and preventable health conditions.
“Men’s Sheds provide a sense of community, and a safe and friendly environment where men can work on meaningful projects at their own pace, in their own time, and in the company of other men,” said Mr Entsch.
The grant funding is part of $5.1 million the Federal Government has provided to the Australian Men’s Shed Association through to 2018-19 to support their national network.
Details of all successful grant recipients from this National Shed Development Program funding round are available at www.mensshed.org
