Coalition Government funding of almost $12,000 for three Men’s Sheds in the Electorate of Parkes, to maintain buildings and buy tools and equipment, has been announced.
The Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton said the funding will support men’s physical and mental health and wellbeing.
“The Men’s Sheds in Dunedoo, Baradine and Walgett will help men, particularly as they get older, to connect with each other and prevent social isolation and preventable health conditions,” Mr Coulton said. 
“This funding round helps Men’s Sheds to buy tools and equipment, support community projects and training, maintain or develop their buildings, or create local activities to improve men’s health.
“The Dunedoo Men’s Shed will receive $4,022 to buy equipment including a planer/thicknesser, router plunge with 1/2 & template guide, saw table 1500 watts 255mm, combination 18 volt sander/ grinder, drop saw, 305 slide mitre compound and a Carbatec Drill Press 3/4 HP,” Mr Coulton said.
“The Baradine Rusty Club will receive $5,000 to present a Men's Health Expo-Men's Shed Muster, as well as seminars, travel subsidies, catering, entertainment, guest speakers, seminars and promotion.       
He said the Walgett Men's Shed Inc. will receive $2,467 to buy tools, equipment and training. The equipment includes an arc welder, Karcher pressure washer, drill and sander combo, drill driver combo kit, bevel slide compound mitre saw and an orbital sander.   
“This allocation of funding will mean a lot to the Men’s Shed members in these towns and their broader communities. I congratulate them on their success,” Mr Coulton said.
“Men’s Sheds provide a sense of community, a safe and friendly environment where men can work on meaningful projects at their own pace, in their own time, in the company of other men.
“Members have an opportunity to pass their skills to others, learn new things, or just catch up regularly with other men in the community for a chat and a cup of tea,” Mr Coulton said.
This grant funding is part of the $5.1 million the Federal Government has provided to the Australian Men’s Shed Association through to 2018-19 to support the national network of Men’s Sheds.
Details of all successful grant recipients from this National Shed Development Program funding round are available at www.mensshed.org.