Burrum District Community Men’s Shed members are staying sun safe, thanks to a grant from the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Program.
Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt congratulated Burrum District Community Men’s Shed on its successful application from round 5 of the program.
“Burrum District Community Men’s Shed received $3999 to put up a shade sail over the barbecue area so members can be sun-safe when they meet,” Mr Pitt said.
“The Stronger Communities Program has been very successful for community groups and organisations like Burrum District Community Men’s Shed that would otherwise struggle to fund these types of projects.
“More than 50 projects throughout the Hinkler electorate have received funding from the Stronger Communities Program,” he said.
Burrum District Community Men’s Shed president John Laffin said the new shade sail was a welcome addition to the Men’s Shed.
“The improvements funded with this grant from the Stronger Communities Program means that our members can be sun-smart when they meet at the shed,” he said.
“The shade sail proved to be a great asset on December 5 when it was used to shade our plant stall.
“Favourable remarks from members of the public at the sale reinforced the decision to install the sail.”
Burrum District Community Men’s Shed was started in 2011 and incorporated in 2012. It currently has 30 members.
The organisation is one of almost 1000 men’s sheds which are represented by Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA).
AMSA was established in 2007 by the Australian independent community-based Men’s Sheds as a Federated body to represent, support and promote the Men’s Shed movement.
It was founded on the principle of sharing information between sheds and those communities wishing to establish and operate a Men’s Shed. It acts as a central hub for information exchange.
Another round of the Stronger Communities Program was announced in the Federal Budget in October. Grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 will be available to community organisations for small capital projects.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) for Round 6 of the Stronger Communities program are open now until February 19, 2021. EOI forms and more information are available at www.keithpitt.com.au.
