The Member for Maribyrnong, Bill Shorten, today announced that the Braybrook Men’s Shed had been successful in applying for a special grant to help with its activities.

Mr Shorten said the Braybrook Men’s Shed would be given $2,500 for promotion of health seminars and programs, advertising and excursions to other sheds.

The grant is one of 51 across Australia worth $125,000 in total, to assist with the cost of upgrading facilities, purchasing equipment and improving disability access.

Grants in this funding round were particularly aimed at sheds that were committed to working with local councils, community health services, welfare organisations, men’s health services and other community services.

“Men’s Sheds can be a place for men to get together, perhaps do some woodwork or a small project, or even just share a coffee and a chat,” Mr Shorten said.

“They can also be a source of support and information for men, particularly those who are more socially disadvantaged or isolated.”

“The Braybrook Men’s Shed serves an important role in Melbourne’s West, bringing men together and, in this case, helping to educate them about their own health and wellbeing,” Mr Shorten said.

“Since 2010, the Australian Government has awarded grants to 211 Men’s Sheds across the nation in recognition of the important work that Men’s Sheds do in their communities.”

Under its National Male Health Policy, the Government funds the Australian Men’s Shed Association to run the Shed Development Program, which includes $250,000 a year over three years to directly assist Men’s Sheds, plus $125,000 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander shed activities.

Round 6 of the grants program is now open and will close on Friday 26 July 2013.

Men’s Sheds groups can find details at: www.mensshed.org

CONTACT: Jayne Edwards 9326 1300 / 0410 455 737