Men in Winchelsea will soon find themselves learning new skills and enjoying time with friends in a new men’s shed, as one of 25 applicants that have been successful in the latest round of Men’s Shed Program funding.
Member for Western Victoria said that Winchelsea Community House Inc had received the $40,000 grant for a Men’s Shed in Winchelsea.
“Men’s sheds are relaxed places for men where they can 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 wellbeing,” Ms Tierney said.
“This group which has been around for some time is an important part of the community. The Men’s Shed program has been a huge success, not only providing benefits for the men involved but the wider community.
“Men’s Sheds link men to important information and services for a range of health and well being related issues, which they often don’t actively seek out themselves.
“They also provide practical benefits for the wider community by involving men in local community projects – such as making benches for public parks or helping out in the local school.”
Ms Tierney welcomed the announcement that funding will be provided for a local Men’s Shed.
“The new men’s shed in Winchelsea will become a real community asset and I encourage local men to get involved,” she said.
The grant is one of 25 grants distributed as part of over $900,000 distributed in the third round of grant funding.
“A further 25 community organisations around Victoria will receive grants of up to $50,000 to build a new Men’s Shed or upgrade an existing one,” Ms Tierney said.
“We understand that Victorians are concerned about the health and wellbeing of our vulnerable seniors that is why we are extending our support of the Men’s Shed program.
“While supporting older men with 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 wellbeing related issues – which they often don’t actively seek out themselves.”
The Brumby Government committed $2 million in the 2009-2010 Budget to extend the Men’s Sheds program until 2011. In total the Brumby Government has contributed $4 million since 2007 to establish Men’s Sheds across Victoria.
For more information or to apply for the Men’s Sheds grants, please visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au