Member for Barker, Tony Pasin said the Morrison Government is continuing to support the Men’s Shed movement with the Mannum Men’s Shed receiving $3,529 under the National Shed Development Programme.
In the latest round, 135 Men’s Sheds across Australia will share in $500,000 in grants that will help buy tools and equipment, maintain infrastructure, coordinate training and host community activities about men’s health issues.
Grant rounds are held twice a year, and eligible men’s sheds are eligible to apply for grants of up to $10,000 with priority given to sheds in disadvantaged areas.
Since 2013, the Government has provided $4.92 million to support Men’s Sheds through this programme.
“Men’s Sheds are places where men can find social support and camaraderie while engaged in meaningful projects,” Mr Pasin said.
On average, one in eight men will experience depression and one in five men will experience anxiety at some stage of their lives. The number of men who die by suicide in Australia every year is nearly double the national road toll.
“Belonging to a social group is vitally important for emotional and mental health, and the local Men’s Shed is an important place for men to meet up and participate in meaningful projects.
“To stay healthy, we need to do regular activities and stay connected with the people around us and this is why the local Men’s Shed has become an important part of the Mannum community,” Mr Pasin said.
In this year’s budget the Morrison Government announced continued and expanded funding to support the Men’s Shed movement with over $11 million over the next 4 years.
Mr Pasin said the latest funding for Mannum Men’s Shed would help pay for two new fire extinguishers, safety signage, mobile brushless combo 2 piece kit, a circular saw, an impact wrench, a wood burning kit, a compound slide saw, and a new welder.
“The Morrison Government is able to provide unprecedented levels of support to men’s health because of our strong economic management,” Mr Pasin said.
