Christmas has come early for Men's Sheds across the country with the Albanese Government supporting 129 sheds with a share in more than $500,000 to continue supporting the health and wellbeing of their communities.
The grants of up to $10,000 each will help sheds improve their facilities, buy tools and equipment, coordinate health-related training, and host events with a focus on men's health issues.
This follows the Albanese Government's additional $6 million (2024-25 Budget) investment for the Men's Shed movement.
There are more than 1,200 Men's Sheds across Australia offering thousands of men of all ages a safe place to meet, socialise, connect, and engage in meaningful community work.
The sheds offer a vital outlet, with almost half of Australian men feeling lonely, linking to poorer physical and mental health, and cognitive decline and risk of dementia in older adults.
Examples of grant recipients in Round 28 of the National Shed Development Programme (NSDP) include:
- Coen Men's Shed (QLD) to create community gardens.
- Gundagai Men's Shed (NSW) to improve disability access.
- Akoonah Park Men's Shed (VIC) for a weekly fitness and flexibility program.
- Palmerston Men's Shed (NT) for CPR and first aid equipment.
- Victoria Park Men's Shed (WA) to create a kitchen space, office and gardens.
- Mount Pleasant Men's Shed (SA) for men's health and wellbeing classes.
- Tuggeranong Men's Shed (ACT) for first aid kits and computer equipment.
- Living Boat Trust Franklin Men's Shed (TAS) for a range of tools for shed activities.
The Australian Men's Shed Association (AMSA) will open applications for Round 29 of the NSDP on 14 January 2025.
Further grants are also available to replace or install defibrillators.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"Men's Sheds are helping men and boys find mateship and social support to help them stay mentally and physically healthy.
"The Albanese Government has provided more than $500,000 in grants so the sheds can continue the important work of highlighting men's health issues.
"No two sheds are the same, which makes them great places for local men to gather, talk, share skills, learn new ones and ease the burden of isolation and loneliness."
