Men of all ages living in the Colac Otway Shire are encouraged to come along and check out the new Men’s Shed in Colac opened today.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney MP officially opened the purpose-built shed at Skills Connections in Pound Road today and said that Men’s Sheds help reduce social disconnection that many men feel.
“In changing times local men are keen to make a real and practical contribution to their community and the Colac Men’s Shed will help them do just that,” Ms Tierney said.
“The Brumby Government was pleased to be able to provide $79,000 to the Colac Men’s Shed to help build this new facility because we know that Men’s Sheds are a great way to get men active in their community.
“The location of the shed is ideal as it forges a wonderful partnership between local men and people who benefit from the services and activities on offer at Skills Connections.
“I encourage more local men to come and get involved with this wonderful group,” she said.
The Brumby Government funding comprised a $50,000 grant from the Men’s Shed program and $29,000 from the Colac Neighbourhood Renewal Program. Other funding and in-kind support was provided by Skills Connections, a local disability services provider.
Ms Tierney said the Men’s Sheds grant program is one way the Government is making sure Victorians get the local facilities and services they need the most
“These sheds provide a relaxed place for men to make new friends, talk things over, learn new skills and get involved in their local community, which has great benefits for their individual health and well being,” Ms Tierney said.
“By involving men in local community projects – such as making benches for public parks, or building cubby houses for the local kindergarten – Men’s Sheds also provide practical benefits for the wider community,” she said.
“As well as giving older men somewhere to get together and work on worthwhile projects, men’s sheds can link them to information and services for a range of health and well being related issues – which they often don’t actively seek out themselves.”
The Brumby Government has invested $4 million over four years in the Men’s Sheds program – the first program in Australia to provide specific support directly to Men’s Sheds – and has already provided grants to 76 Men’s Sheds in three rounds of funding across Victoria.
The fourth round of funding for the Men’s Shed program is currently open. For more information or to apply for Men’s Sheds grants, please visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au.