Funding of $3,050 has been granted to the Violet Town Men’s Shed to strengthen its long-term viability, Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said today.
Dr Sykes said the support has been provided under the Capacity Building Fund, which supports activities such as helping Men’s Sheds to organise training sessions on occupational health and safety, first aid, governance, and to host networking events with sheds in neighbouring communities.
The grant will be used by the Violet Town Men’s Shed to build on governance and sustainability and to convene a shed strategic planning workshop.
Dr Sykes said, “I continue to be impressed with the contribution that Men’s Sheds throughout north east Victoria make to the broader community. This includes repairing community infrastructure such as park benches and mentoring students from local schools.
“The continued sustainability of the Violet Town Men’s Shed is important as it provides benefits to not only members but the local community as well.”
Coordinator of the Violet Town Men’s Shed, John Broadhurst said, “We are very pleased that the application has been successful and I thank the Violet Town Community House for the work they did on the application.”
Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge said the Victorian Men’s Shed Association (VMSA) was playing an increasing role in ensuring new and growing Men’s Sheds can become sustainable.
“Volunteers contribute countless hours to supporting their members, and the Coalition Government is pleased to support their efforts,” Ms Wooldridge said.
VMSA president Paul Sladdin said Men’s Sheds were increasingly being recognised as valuable to older men’s wellbeing, particularly to their social enjoyment, ongoing learning capacity, and ability to contribute to their community.
“These grants are welcomed by the VMSA as they will provide opportunities for members to network with other sheds, as well as providing training opportunities in areas that will assist in ensuring the sustainability of the shed,” Mr Sladdin said.
“Men’s Sheds provide an environment where productivity and being of value to the community contribute to a man’s feeling of self-worth and help to develop a sense of meaning in the years following retirement, loss or other hardship.”
More than $88,000 from the Capacity Building Fund is being distributed across Victoria in partnership with the VMSA to support activities that build the skills and knowledge of supervisors and volunteers.
The funding will be used to support:
• 40 training sessions ranging from governance to finances to first aid;
• up to 20 community partnership building events, such as men’s health awareness; and
• up to 50 shed groups participate in activities funded through the program.
There are about 160 Men’s Sheds in Victoria. The Coalition Government has committed a further $4 million in the 2011-12 Budget to continue to strengthen Men’s Sheds for the next four years.