Kinglake Ranges News – The Leader in Local News
ELTHAM.
The Eltham Men’s Shed operates from three small facilities with almost no workspace for its 45 members.
Eltham Men’s Shed members have helped local groups including the Wurundjeri people, Syrian refugees, Nillumbik Shire Council, Eltham Rotary, the Montmorency-Eltham RSL, retirement villages and local schools.
Member for Eltham, Vicky Ward and Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos today met with Eltham Men’s Shed members announcing $60,000 in government funding for a new Eltham Men’s Shed.
“For a long time the Eltham Men’s Shed has been without a permanent home for the great work they do in our community. This grant will be an important support in giving them the facilities they need,” Ward said.
“Men’s sheds play a vital role in local communities throughout the state as safe, friendly and inclusive spaces where people can learn new skills, catch up with mates and forge strong ties with others,” Mikakos said.
The government announced $1 million funding to construct 13 new Men’s Sheds and the refurbishment of ten others in regional Victoria and Melbourne.
Victorian Men’s Shed Association Executive Director Officer Ric Blackburn sees men’s sheds and their projects as improving the health and wellbeing of participants by promoting social inclusion and contributing to the community.
“We know that men’s sheds enhance the health and well-being of both individuals and communities as a whole by reducing social isolation and promoting social inclusion. These grants will foster and strengthen community groups across the state, especially in hard-hit rural areas,” he said.
Government provides ongoing annual funding of $1 million to the men’s shed program.
The Victorian Men’s Shed Association has been granted $105,000 over two years to employ a field officer to improve the viability of men’s sheds.
Text & Images ©COPYRIGHT 2017 Kinglake Ranges News. This article was first published on Kinglake Ranges News.
