Older men in the Kangaroo Flat community are set to be brought together thanks to a new Men’s Shed opened today.
Minister for Senior Victorians Lisa Neville officially opened the new Kangaroo Flat Men’s Shed and announced the opening of the fourth round of the popular Men’s Sheds funding program while at the Brumby Labor Government's Bendigo Region Community Cabinet.
“We understand that Victorians are concerned about the health and welfare of older members of our community, that’s why we provided help to build this shed," Ms Neville said.
“To date the Brumby Labor Government has invested $4.5 million to build 76 Men’s Sheds across Victoria with more to come.”
Member for Bendigo West Bob Cameron welcomed the new Men’s Shed.
“Men’s Sheds play an important role in connecting men with their neighbourhoods, building stronger families and stronger communities,” Mr Cameron said.
“They provide a relaxed place for men to make new friends, talk things over, learn new skills and get involved in the local community in a way that has real and practical benefits
“By working with the local secondary school, other local training providers, the Kangaroo Flat community now has a wonderful place for men to get together and make new friends, talk things over, learn new skills and get involved in local projects, which has great benefits for their individual health and wellbeing.”
Ms Neville also encouraged other communities to apply for a grant through the fourth round of Brumby Labor Government funding to set up a new Men’s Shed.
“Grants of up to $50,000 each have helped 76 communities meet the cost of establishing a dedicated Men’s Shed throughout the state, and I look forward to expanding this successful network to ensure they are available to men in communities that need them most,” she said.
“Experience has shown men who are involved with a local Men’s Shed feel better about themselves and have a strong sense of belonging and enjoyment.
“Men’s Shed programs can support the social, health, wellbeing and learning needs of men experiencing changes in their working lives or their physical and mental health.”
Ms Neville said the Men’s Sheds program was one way the Brumby Labor Government was making sure Victorians get the local facilities and services they need the most.
“As well as giving older men somewhere to get together and work on worthwhile projects, Men’s Sheds can link them to information and services for a range of health and well being related issues which they often don’t actively seek out themselves,” she said.
For more information or to apply for the Men’s Sheds grants, please visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au