Guy Barnett,Minister for Primary Industries and Water
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is a proud supporter of the Tasmanian Men's Shed Association and is pleased to announce that the grants program for 2021-22 is now open.
This coincides with the start of Tasmanian Men's Shed Awareness Week September 20 -27th which promotes the benefits of joining the Men's Shed movement along with the important role our Sheds play in their communities.
As promised during the 2020-21 State election, increased funding of $175,000 is now available through the latest grants program and it has been extended to include mental health and wellbeing projects, recognising the critical role Sheds play in supporting their members and communities.
Funding is available through two categories:
- Grants of up to $6,000 for tools, equipment, men's health, including mental health and wellbeing initiatives, member training and community initiatives. This includes funding for Sheds to purchase hygiene and other equipment to assist with their relevant COVID-19 Safe Workplace Guidelines and COVID-19 Safety Plans; and
- Grants of up to $20,000 for capital works.
Applications are invited from Tasmanian Men's Sheds that are either a member of the TMSA, or an organisation that operates as a Men's Shed, and is able to demonstrate an alignment with the TMSA's values and vision.
Men's Sheds are a valuable community asset and contribute to the community in a number of ways. They provide a safe, supportive environment where men can form friendships, learn and share skills, seek support and advice regarding health and wellbeing issues, and participate in projects that benefit the broader community.
In my role as Minister for Primary Industries and Water I have seen first-hand how valuable a Men's Shed is in a regional or rural community when there can be limited opportunities for interaction and getting support from your mates.
Given the importance of Men's Sheds in the community, the Tasmanian Government established a grants program in 2014, to develop the capacity and sustainability of Sheds state-wide.
The grants program is administered by Communities, Sport and Recreation (CSR) in the Department of Communities Tasmania (Communities Tasmania).
The grants program guidelines and application form are available from the Communities Tasmania's website www.communities.tas.gov.au/csr.
