The Victorian Government has granted $2550 to Mooroopna’s Men’s Shed to strengthen its long-term viability, Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell said today.
Mrs Powell said the support has been provided under the Capacity Building Fund, which supports activities such as helping Men’s Sheds organise training sessions on occupational health and safety, first aid, governance, and to host networking events with sheds in neighbouring communities.
"I congratulate Mooroopna’s Men’s Shed on securing this grant,” Mrs Powell said.
“The funding will be used to conduct an OH&S workshop and information forum to increase the profile of Mooroopna’s Men’s Shed and its programs.
“Men’s Sheds play an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of men in our community and I am pleased the Coalition Government is providing vital funding to ensure these sheds can continue to grow and attract new members.”
Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge said the Victorian Men’s Shed Association (VMSA) was playing an increasing role in ensuring new and growing Men’s Sheds can become sustainable.
“Volunteers contribute countless hours to supporting their members, and the Coalition Government is pleased to support their efforts,” Ms Wooldridge said.
VMSA president Paul Sladdin said Men’s Sheds were increasingly being recognised as valuable to older men’s wellbeing, particularly to their social enjoyment, ongoing learning capacity, and ability to contribute to their community.
Mrs Powell said since first being established Men’s Sheds have been instrumental in assisting older men to realise their value to their communities and assisted them in maintaining their health and well-being.
“As a patron of Men’s Sheds in the district, I know firsthand the important role they play in keeping men active and learning new skills.”
More than $88,000 from the Capacity Building Fund is being distributed across Victoria in partnership with the VMSA to support activities that build the skills and knowledge of supervisors and volunteers.
The funding will be used to support:
• 40 training sessions ranging from governance to finances to first aid;
• up to 20 community partnership building events, such as men’s health awareness; and
• up to 50 shed groups participate in activities funded through the program.
There are about 160 Men’s Sheds in Victoria. The Coalition Government has committed a further $4 million in the 2011-12 Budget to continue to strengthen Men’s Sheds for the next four years.
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