Christmas has come early for local men’s shed associations after they were approved over $46,000 through the Queensland Government’s Jupiters Casino Benefit Fund.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett, who advocated on behalf of local groups Childers District Men’s Shed Association and Bargara Men’s Shed to obtain the funding, congratulated the groups.
“I was thrilled to hear these groups were approved funds. The Men’s Shed movement provides a unique opportunity to men in communities to be part of a safe and busy environment to be productive, connect to friends and maintain an active body and mind,” he said.
“It is recognised for giving opportunities for men to talk about issues relating to their physical and mental health that may otherwise not be available.
“These grants can be the difference between keeping these important services in our area and going without.”
Mr Bennett said the Bargara Men’s Shed had been approved $11,619 to purchase much-needed new tools, including table saws.
Bargara Men’s Shed president Peter Ryan welcomed the funding announcement today.
“Some of the equipment we have is borrowed and very old and rather dangerous. We applied for a grant on the basis of duty of care,” he said.
“This new equipment is much-needed. It will give us more versatility to do little projects for the community.”
The Childers District Men’s Shed Association was also a big winner from this round of funding, having been granted $35,000 towards the construction of their shed.
Childers Men’s Shed secretary Dr David Wilson said the funds would go a long way to helping the group forge ahead with plans for a men’s shed in Childers.
“This will give a lot of heart to a lot of people who have worked hard to get a men’s shed here in Childers,” he said.
“We’re an aging population here in Childers… the men’s shed will prove very important and useful to the aged persons here in Childers. Not only men, but women as well.
“We can start looking forward to a future.”