Dubbo’s Community Men’s Shed Inc has marked the inaugural “Men’s Shed Week” with a visit from Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton.
The Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) in conjunction with the Bipartisan Parliamentary Friends of Men’s Sheds Group was happy to announce the very first Men’s Shed Week encouraging sheds across Australia to invite their local members along for a cuppa and a chat.
The Bipartisan Parliamentary ‘Friends of the Men’s Shed’ Group was established in 2012 by Mr Coulton together with the Federal Member for Fowler, Chris Hayes MP. The purpose of the group is to recognise and celebrate the achievements of Men’s Sheds.
Mr Coulton took the opportunity to formally announce that the Dubbo Community Men’s Shed Inc will receive $5,700 from the Australian Government to continue to promote and support men’s health and well-being in the Dubbo region.
The grant is part of the Coalition Government’s ongoing commitment to more than 100 Men’s Sheds across Australia.
Mr Coulton said the funding would support the shed’s 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 together in a safe, friendly and inclusive environment,” Mr Coulton 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.”
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.
Further information can be found on AMSA’s website at http://mensshed.org/