18 August 2015
Grants of up to $8 000 are now available to help communities modify equip and improve Men’s Sheds local MP Peter Walsh announced today.
Mr Walsh encouraged community groups with existing Men’s Sheds across the Murray Plains electorate to apply for the latest round of grants available from the Australian Men’s Sheds Association under the Nationals Shed Development Program.
“Men’s Sheds play a very important role in our region and are one of the most powerful tools we have in helping men to remain valued and valuable members of our community “ he said.
“Most Aussie men have learned from our culture that they don’t talk about feelings and emotions.
“It’s probably largely because of this that many men are prone to suffer more from isolation loneliness and depression.
“Becoming a member of a Men’s Shed gives a man that safe and busy environment where he can connect with friends and maintain an active body and active mind in an atmosphere of old-fashioned mateship “ he said.
The Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) administers the Australian Government National Shed Development Program (NSDP) to provide direct financial assistance to men’s sheds with priority given to those sheds in areas of greatest need.
Mr Walsh said individual Men’s Sheds can apply for up to a total of $8 000 for a range of financial support across the following three funding categories :
Category One – Tools & Equipment Community Projects and Training to a maximum of $5 000
Category Two – Building Maintenance & Development to a maximum of $7 500
Category Three – Health Improvement Activities to a maximum of $5 000
The grants opened on Monday 17th August and close on Friday 18th September 2015.
All documentation including Guidelines and Application forms is now available on the AMSA website www.mensshed.org under the Development Grant Tab.