Funding of $1,230 has been granted to the Sale Men’s Shed to strengthen its long-term viability, Acting Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan said today.
Mr Ryan said the Victorian Coalition Government had provided a total of $88,115 to 30 Men’s Sheds from across Victoria through its Capacity Building Fund, which supported activities such as training sessions on occupational health and safety, first aid and governance.
“I congratulate the Sale Men’s Shed on securing this funding, which will be used for OH&S and First Aid training,” Mr Ryan said.
“The funding will allow the Sale Men’s shed to have a trained OH&S officer and First Aid officer, which will increase the capacity of the shed to meet OHS requirements.
“Men’s Sheds play an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of men in our community and I am pleased the Victorian 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 were 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.
“These grants are welcomed by the VMSA as they will provide opportunities for members to network with other sheds, as well as providing training opportunities in areas that will assist in ensuring the sustainability of the shed,” Mr Sladdin said.
“Men’s Sheds provide an environment where productivity and being of value to the community contribute to a man’s feeling of self-worth and help to develop a sense of meaning in the years following retirement, loss or other hardship.”
Mr Ryan said 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.
Media contact: Ben Bulmer 0437 108 870
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