Three men’s sheds in the Hinkler electorate will receive funding to support the health of men and boys in the latest round of grant funding of the National Shed Development Programme.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt welcomed the decision by the Australian Government to award the Burrum District Community Men’s Shed, Woodgate Men’s Shed and The Lakes Men’s Group funding.

“Men’s Sheds play a vital role in preventing social isolation and offer thousands of men of all ages a safe and friendly environment where they can work on projects together while building strong social connections,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Lakes Men’s Group has received $2,600 which will be utilised to run workshops to assist people with early stages of dementia and some new tools and equipment will be purchased including a wood lathe.

“The Burrum District Community Men’s Shed will build a new garden shed for additional storage to store cans and bottles as part of a fundraising initiative with its grant of $1,354.

“And Woodgate Men’s Shed will purchase an industrial sewing machine to undertake upholstery, canvas, leather, sails, tarpaulin repairs with a $1,750 grant.

“Congratulations to each of these Men’s Sheds for doing their part in providing a friendly place for men to meet and share their skills and mateship.”

The Coalition Government has provided $6.4 million in grant funding to support Men’s Sheds since 2013.

There are more than 1,000 Men’s Sheds across Australia and they are an integral part of their local communities. This Government will continue to support Men’s Sheds as part of our comprehensive approach to improving the health of Australian men and boys.