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Grants for national Men's Shed development programme nowopen across West and South Gippsland

Men’s shed organisations are being called to send their grant applications to obtain financial support for their organisations.

By news@gippsland - 17th June 2021 - Back to News

As part of Men’s Health Week, the Australian Government is encouraging Men’s Sheds across Monash to apply for funding as part of the newest round of the National Men’s Shed Development Programme (NDSP). Opening this week, Russell Broadbent encouraged all Sheds in Monash to apply for Round 22 of the NDSP.

Men's shed is a safe and friendly environment where the men can spend time to work with tools and equipment or just physically reconnect with others to support their mental and physical health

Supporting men’s mental and physical health

Mr Broadbent said, "Men’s Sheds are friendly and inclusive settings where men can meet to work with tools and equipment, or just spend time together, to support each other’s mental and physical good health, our Government is committed to ensuring that even doing the pandemic, members can stay in touch and continue to providing meaningful contributions to their communities."

Apply for support

Men’s Sheds can apply for financial support across the following funding categories:

• Category 1: Health, Wellbeing, and Events $8,000 maximum
• Category 2: Shed Improvements $8,000 maximum
• Category 3: Equipment $5,000 maximum

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said connection was the key to the success of the more than 1,000 Men’s Sheds around the country.

Staying connected

Minister Hunt said, "The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough for many Australians, and it is vitally important that Shed Members remained connected to their community during this time. As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting Men’s Sheds, we provided $500,000 to Sheds around Australia in the latest round of NDSP grants and $6.4 million in grant funding to support Men’s Sheds since 2013."

Safe and friendly environment

Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton, said Men’s Sheds play a vital role in regional Australia, becoming one of the most important regional organisations. "Men’s Sheds provide a safe and friendly environment for men to gather and or work on meaningful projects, with the ultimate aim of improving the health and wellbeing of their members," Minister Coulton said.

"I am also pleased to announce that work will soon begin on the $1.5 million Regional Coordinators for Men’s Sheds Initiative, which helps Men’s Sheds to connect with local health services and promote health events for their members."

Introducing regional coordinators

Men’s Sheds Associations in WA, Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland will be funded to introduce regional coordinators in those states. The Australian Men’s Shed Association, which manages the NSDP, has also received funding under the Initiative to implement regional coordinators in NSW, the ACT, SA and the NT. Regional coordinators will be introduced in every state and territory.

Pictures from Australian Men's Shed Association.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com