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Funding security for Men’s Sheds in Deakin
Michael Sukkar, Federal Member for Deakin, today said local Men’s Sheds would benefit from the Australian Government’s Father’s Day announcement to secure funding for the organisation until 2019.
Michael said Round 11 of the National Shed Development Programme was currently open and that local Men’s Sheds could apply for up to $8,000 in funding.
“Our local Men’s Sheds in Deakin play a very important role in our community to keep men active and contributing to their mental health and physical wellbeing,” Michael said.
“To provide certainty, the Abbott Government has guaranteed funding for Men’s Sheds for a further three years to 2019.
“The decision to guarantee funding will allow men’s sheds to maintain their shed, buy new tools or start new projects. It’s great news for the sheds and the men who use them.”
The $4.5 million commitment over the next three years will also assist the Australian Men’s Sheds Association to develop and maintain relationships and linkages with health providers and employ strategies to more effectively reach and engage men.
Michael said Men’s Sheds reduce social isolation, particularly for older men and people living in rural and remote areas.
Applications for grants are assessed by the Australian Men’s Shed Association, in accordance with guidelines agreed by the Department of Health. All sheds are eligible to apply for funding under the National Shed Development Programme (NSDP). Grants are awarded on a competitive basis up to a total of $8,000 (GST exclusive), with priority given to sheds in disadvantaged areas.
Round 11 of the NSDP is currently open for applications. Sheds are able to apply for up to a total of $8,000 across three funding categories – tools, equipment, community projects and training; building maintenance and development; and health improvement activities.
Applications for Round 11 close on September 18.