Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton has congratulated Men’s Sheds at Condobolin, Coonabarabran, Trangie and Gilgandra on their successful grant applications through the National Shed Development Programme.
Mr Coulton said that the Programme administered by the Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) is designed to provide direct financial assistance to Sheds.
“Direct funding for Men’s Sheds is very useful as the grants can be used to meet the needs of a particular community,” said Mr Coulton.
Under the National Shed Development Programme, Men’s Sheds can apply for funding from three streams: Tools and Equipment, Building Maintenance and Development, and Shed Activities and Programs.
Successful Men’s Sheds in Round 7 included:
· $4,500 for Condo Men’s Shed– to purchase hand tools, tool storage, power tools and garden maintenance equipment.
· $4,500 for The (Men’s) Shed Coonabarabran– to purchase metal craft tooling including a scroll and tube former, twisters, RBR tool, master punch and shear.
· $4,800 for Trangie Men’s Shed- to purchase a Centre lathes on stand with foot activated brake, indexing head to suit existing milling machine, set of chucks and collets.
· $2,500 for Gilgandra Men’s Shed- to purchase a jet table saw bench, 2HP dust collector and hose.
“One of the things about the Men’s Shed movement which makes it so special is the importance that is placed on community involvement.”
“Each Men’s Shed has a different way of connecting with the community whether it be through mentoring programs or through involvement in community projects.”
Mr Coulton said that whilst the provision of grants through the National Shed Development Programme provided assistance to Sheds the ability of a community to support their Men’s Shed would ensure longevity of the Men’s Shed Movement.
“The Men’s Shed movement emerged organically in communities across Australia as a place for men to come together to take part in activities that they enjoy and provide support to each other.”
“I recently hosted the Parliamentary Friends of Men’s Sheds at a Barbeque in Canberra with representatives from Men’s Sheds across the country. This was an excellent opportunity for Men’s Sheds to showcase their organisations.”
“I encourage members of the community to visit their local shed or find out more about the Men’s Sheds movement at www.menssheds.org.”