Michael McCormack enjoyed a cup of tea with Temora Shed 4 Men president Howard Ruth (centre) and secretary Ray Perry in the kitchen of the Men’s Shed in July last year after announcing a grant which would deliver a new kitchen for the building.
A popular grants program which has helped improve the health and lifestyle of hundreds of men throughout the Riverina and Central West is offering a new round of funding. During Men’s Health Week, Member for Riverina Michael McCormack encouraged Men’s Sheds across the region to apply for a grant through Round 22 of the National Men’s Shed Development Programme (NDSP).
“I have visited Men’s Shed’s throughout the Riverina and Central West and have seen the power of good they do for the physical and mental health of men,” Mr McCormack said. “During those visits, Men’s Shed members have proudly shown off the equipment they have been able to obtain with the help of a grant, including power tools, as well as solar panels, kitchen fit-outs and first aid training.
“The grants help Men’s Shed members do what they do best – support each other and contribute to the community.”
Mr McCormack said the COVID-19 pandemic and social restrictions were a reminder of how important it was for men to stay connected to work mates, families and communities. Many Men’s Sheds were forced to close their doors during lock downs, but members were still able to stay in touch with each other by telephone and social media.
“Many Men’s Sheds have asked for better information technology equipment and training to help their members stay even more connected in the future and this grant round provides an opportunity for that to happen,” Mr McCormack said.
Men’s Sheds can apply for financial support across the three funding categories: category one: Health, Wellbeing and Events $8,000 maximum; category two: Shed Improvements $8,000 maximum; category three: Equipment $5,000 maximum.
Applications for Round 22 Men’s Sheds grants are open until 26 July 2021. Those wanting to submit an application can visit www.mensshed.org/development-grants