Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (fourth from right) pictured with members of the Mendooran Men’s Shed.
A metal workshop has been established at the Mendooran Men’s Shed thanks to a $19,887 Federal Government grant.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton today met with members of the Men’s Shed to inspect the new workshop, funded under Round 6 of the Coalition Government’s Stronger Communities Programme (SCP).
“I am incredibly pleased to help such a wonderful community organisation like the Mendooran Men’s Shed to set up a welding and fabrication outfit,” Mr Coulton said.
“The Mendooran Men’s Shed is still in its early days, and this funding will enable the men to repair and manufacture a variety of metal items, in addition to woodwork projects.
“Volunteer organisations in the Parkes electorate are pivotal to our local communities, and this program certainly goes some way to supporting them and the terrific work they do.”
Mendooran Men’s Shed President and Secretary Michael Ascher said they’ve recently finished the set-up of the metal workshop, and look forward to putting it to use.
“Many of our members are farmers who spend most days on the farm on their own, their wives being at work and kids at school, so this will give them a chance to carry out a variety of projects in the company of others in a similar situation,” Mr Ascher said.
“It’s a good community thing and a vital ingredient in maintaining physical and mental wellbeing in these difficult times.”
The Stronger Communities Programme provides each electorate with $150,000 to fund small capital projects.
An additional $28.2 million was provided in the 2021-22 Budget to extend the Stronger Communities Programme to a seventh round, which has just closed. More information about the SCP is available at www.business.gov.au/Grants-and-Programs/Stronger-Communities-Programme.